Senate bean soup
Senate Bean Soup is made with navy beans, celery, onions, carrots, ham hocks, and a variety of herbs and spices. Because of its wide selection of ingredients, the soup has a robust flavor that can be enjoyed year-round. But what really sets Senate Bean Soup apart from other soups is its velvety texture which comes from the natural creaminess of the navy beans.
For diners looking to make the most of their meal, Senate Bean Soup pairs well with fresh vegetables like kale or spinach. These leafy greens add a pop of color and freshness to the dish, as well as essential vitamins and minerals. And as if that wasn't enough, this soup also incorporates a generous helping of hearty ham hocks for an added boost of flavor and meaty texture.
Whether you're hosting a meal for friends and family or simply want a quick and easy weeknight meal, Senate Bean Soup is sure to please. It requires minimal effort and yields maximum reward. Plus, with its historical background, it's a dish steeped in nostalgia and patriotism - something that is hard to come by these days.
So, give your guests a real treat this season and serve up a bowl of Senate Bean Soup. Its velvety mouthfeel and deep flavor will surely satisfy even the most discerning palates.
Senate bean soup recipes
Amazing Senate bean soup recipes sourced from the web.
The origin of Senate bean soup
The Senate bean soup is a beloved dish by many across the United States, with a long and storied history originating in the early twentieth century. The exact origin is unknown, but most agree that the dish has been a mainstay of the Senate dining room since at least the 1940s.
The most popular story credits the soup’s creation to Wisconsin Senator Fred R. Keller. Senator Keller, who served between 1917 and 1921, was known for his fondness of beans and had a habit of bringing his own supply of beans to the Senate dining room. On one such occasion in 1903, the chef decided to put the senator’s leftovers to use and created a hearty bean soup. Senator Keller was so pleased with the result that he asked the chef to keep the recipe and make it a regular in the Senate dining hall.
Though there are many different versions of the story, all seem to agree that it was Senator Keller who first introduced the concept of bean soup to the Senate dining room and that it has remained a part of the menu ever since.
The “Senate Bean Soup” served in the Senate dining room is an institutionalized version of the classic navy bean soup. The original recipe remains unchanged over the decades, consisting of little more than navy beans, celery, onions, carrots, ham hock, bacon, butter, and salt and pepper. In 2004, according to Senate Resolution 397, no other ingredients could be added to the recipe, thus preserving the Senate bean soup’s original flavor.
Whether Senator Keller actually had a role in the creation of the Senate bean soup or not, it is clear that the dish has earned a place in American culinary history. It is a traditional favorite that is still enjoyed by patrons of the Senate dining room, as well as those who prepare it daily. As a testament to its enduring popularity, Senate bean soup remains a part of the Capitol’s menu to this day.
Types of Senate bean soup
The Senate bean soup is a venerable dish, one that has been a Washington, DC staple since the early 1900s. It’s a classic comfort food that is easy to make and has seen countless variations over the years. This remarkable culinary journey has led to several distinct iterations of the soup today.
For starters, there is the traditional version. This consists of white beans such as navy or great northern beans simmered in water with onion, celery, carrots, and salt pork for seasoning. This rendition of Senate bean soup is simple and unadorned, requiring few ingredients that can likely be found in most pantries.
A slight variation on the classic veers into vegetarian territory. In this recipe, the salt pork is swapped out for vegetable broth as the base, and it is seasoned with onions, celery, carrots, garlic, thyme, oregano, and bay leaf. The vegetarian Senate bean soup is light and savory, making it a popular option for those trying to stay healthy without sacrificing flavor.
For those who have an aversion to beans, the hybrid version is a godsend. This iteration is a mix of navy beans and diced potatoes, which gives it a more filling texture. What sets this version apart from the others is the addition of bacon to the broth. Along with the potatoes, this gives the soup an irresistibly smoky flavor.
Finally, there is the vegan option. Like the vegetarian version, it relies on vegetable broth instead of salt pork, but substitutes mushrooms and Worcestershire sauce to give the soup depth. It is topped off with diced vegetables, giving it a pop of color and crunch.
No matter your dietary preferences, there is a Senate bean soup that is sure to tickle your tastebuds. This delectable dish is a timeless favorite and a great way to celebrate the flavors of DC.