Here’s the authentic, official U.S. Senate bean soup recipe—an enduring favorite on the Capitol Hill menu. This hearty and simple ham and bean soup is perfect for those cozy fall and winter evenings.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 pound dry navy beans
- 3/4 pound smoked ham hock
- 2 quarts cold water
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (optional, but recommended to help soften the beans)
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Kosher salt, to taste (about 2 teaspoons recommended)
- Fresh black pepper, to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
- Rinse the navy beans and pick through them. Place the beans in a large pot along with the ham hock, cold water, and baking soda (if using).
Pro Tip: While not part of the original recipe, baking soda is a secret weapon for cooking dried beans. The alkaline pH helps soften their tough exterior and speeds up the cooking process. - Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot, leaving the lid slightly cracked, and cook for about three hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are fully softened.
Tip: While the water amount is important, if the soup starts to get too thick, simply add more water to achieve a creamy, soup-like consistency. - Remove the ham hock from the pot and set it aside to cool. In the meantime, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring, until it becomes translucent and lightly browned.
(Butter and onions—such a great smell!) Add the cooked onions to the soup. - Once the ham hock is cool enough to handle, remove the meat and shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the meat to the soup and stir. Discard the bones.
- Before serving, bring the soup to a boil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the soup on its own or pair it with a fresh green salad to balance out its richness.
NOTES
This Senate Bean Soup recipe stays true to the original, with the addition of optional baking soda to speed up the cooking process and soften the beans.
The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for later.
Disclaimer: The nutrition information is an estimate and provided for courtesy purposes only; it has not been verified by medical or nutrition experts.
