Senate Navy Bean Soup

[Bsamps]

If you’ve ever been to the US Capital Restaurant, you will notice Navy Bean Soup has been a staple there for many, many years. I forgot how many but, when I was stationed in D.C. back in the ‘80s, I would go there as much as I could and have a big hearty bowl of it. It has also been a staple in my household ever since. I normally make it on New Year’s Day but, with so much traffic in our house the past few weeks, I’m just now getting around to making it today. The house is filled with the aroma of ham hocks, cloves and garlic. I am very much looking forward to tonight’s dinner. I think you can find the original recipe online but I have made several variations throughout the years.

2 ham hocks or 1 lg ham bone
1lb of Navy beans, soaked overnight
Salt & Pepper to taste
3-4 whole cloves, stuck in the ham
Garlic
Onions
Celery
Water
2-3 potatoes (to thicken)

Other than that, that’s all. It’s hearty and healthy.

 

[DesertIguana]

When I lived in Sacramento, California we had this small grocery store chain, Corti Brothers that was Sacramento Only. Believe they had two locations, and the Meat Department from time to time on Fulton had Smoked Ham Shanks.

Use to buy like 4 - 5 varieties of DRY Beans, soaked like two days in cold water in cover big pot. After two days I would rinse the beans many time until the water was clear.

Then came the fun, as I would cover the Beans & Ham Shanks with cold water, put in a couple of can of Roma tomatoes the store imported from Italy.

The add fresh Garlic, Salt Pepper, Diced Red Onions, bring to boil, and back of heat low simmer 12-16 hours. Time and Low Temperature did the magic breaking down the Ham Shanks leaving the bones at bottom of pan. It was sort of a thick soup, but what was left over, got reheat and eaten latter.

Corti Brother also had great Italian bead to have with the Beans & Hocks, think it was one of the employee who share the how to make this simple dish.

 

[Bsamps]

Grandma always used to say… “if you have beans in the pantry, you have a meal”.

 

[Eric_75]

When I lived in Sacramento, California

I didn't know you used to live in Sacramento, CA. I'm from Roseville, CA.

 

[DesertIguana]

I didn't know you used to live in Sacramento, CA. I'm from Roseville, CA.

83-98 El Dorado, & Sacramento Counties.

 

[1e4]

Navy Bean Soup is a customary winter dish around here. I'll have to share this recipe with my wife, see how it compares.

Here's the D.C. recipe, published on the Senate's website under the "Traditions & Symbols" page — you were right on, @Bsamps :

U.S. Senate: About Traditions & Symbols | Senate Bean Soup

www.senate.gov

Here's the recipe we've been using lately, which is wonderful:

Classic Navy Bean Soup Is Pure Comfort in a Bowl

Happy soup season, everyone!

www.thekitchn.com

 

[Bsamps]

Navy Bean Soup is a customary winter dish around here. I'll have to share this recipe with my wife, see how it compares.

Here's the D.C. recipe, published on the Senate's website under the "Traditions & Symbols" page — you were right on, @Bsamps :

U.S. Senate: About Traditions & Symbols | Senate Bean Soup

www.senate.gov

Here's the recipe we've been using lately, which is wonderful:

Classic Navy Bean Soup Is Pure Comfort in a Bowl

Happy soup season, everyone!

www.thekitchn.com

There is so much you can do with that recipe. Options are almost endless. Thanks for the link.

 

[H4nk]

Immersion blender is the kicker.