Hearty Senate Bean Soup
Delve into the rich, comforting flavors of this Hearty Senate Bean Soup, a traditional dish made famous by Paula Deen. This delightful soup brings together tender navy beans simmered with savory ham and aromatic onions, creating a hearty meal that’s perfect for cold weather or any gathering. With its simple ingredients and a preparation method that highlights the natural flavors, this soup is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Share it with family and friends, or enjoy it as a nourishing lunch or dinner option.
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried navy beans
2 lbs (rinsed in hot water until white)
water
4 quarts (for boiling beans)
cooked spiral cut ham
1 slice (cubed)
butter
1/4 cup (for sautéing onions)
medium onion
1 (chopped)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
fresh parsley
1/4 cup (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the dried navy beans in hot water until they are completely white, ensuring they are clean and ready for cooking.
2
Place the rinsed beans into a large stockpot, add the 4 quarts of water, and bring it to a rapid boil over high heat.
3
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the beans simmer gently for about 3 hours, until they are tender and flavorful.
4
In a separate small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until they are golden brown, releasing their sweet aroma.
5
Carefully transfer the sautéed onions into the stockpot with the beans, allowing those flavors to combine.
6
After the soup has simmered for 3 hours, scoop out 2 cups of the bean mixture and blend it in a blender until smooth. Return the blended mixture back to the stockpot for a creamier texture.
7
Add the cubed ham into the soup and let it heat through, stirring occasionally.
8
Just before serving, taste the soup and season with salt and black pepper according to your preference.
9
Finally, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Senate Bean Soup?
Hearty Senate Bean Soup is a traditional, comforting dish made famous by Paula Deen that features tender navy beans simmered with savory ham and aromatic onions.
Who made this version of Senate Bean Soup famous?
This specific recipe for Hearty Senate Bean Soup was made famous by Paula Deen.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 12 servings, making it ideal for family gatherings.
What type of beans are used in this soup?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of dried navy beans.
How should I prepare the navy beans before cooking?
You should rinse the dried navy beans in hot water until they are completely white to ensure they are clean and ready for cooking.
How much water is required for the soup base?
You will need 4 quarts of water to cook the navy beans.
How long should the navy beans simmer?
The beans should simmer gently for about 3 hours until they are tender and flavorful.
How do I prepare the onions for the soup?
Chop one medium onion and sauté it in 1/4 cup of butter until golden brown before adding it to the beans.
What is the secret to making this bean soup creamy?
To achieve a creamier texture, scoop out 2 cups of the cooked bean mixture, blend it until smooth, and then return it to the stockpot.
What kind of ham is used in Hearty Senate Bean Soup?
The recipe uses one slice of cooked spiral cut ham that has been cubed.
When should I add the ham to the soup?
Add the cubed ham into the soup after the beans have simmered and a portion has been blended, then let it heat through.
What seasonings are recommended for this soup?
The soup is seasoned with salt and black pepper to taste, and garnished with fresh parsley.
How much butter is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of butter to sauté the onions.
What is the best way to garnish the soup?
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with 1/4 cup of freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch.
Is this recipe suitable for cold weather?
Yes, its hearty and comforting flavors make it a perfect meal for cold weather.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 8 ingredients used in this Hearty Senate Bean Soup recipe.
Do I need to soak the beans overnight?
The instructions specify rinsing the beans in hot water until white and then boiling, rather than a traditional overnight soak.
What category does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is categorized under Beans.
Can I use a blender for this recipe?
Yes, a blender is used to process 2 cups of the soup to create a thicker, creamier consistency.
What temperature should I use to simmer the beans?
After bringing the water to a rapid boil, reduce the heat to low to simmer the beans gently.
What should the onions look like after sautéing?
The onions should be sautéed until they are golden brown and have released their sweet aroma.
Is this an easy recipe to follow?
Yes, it is described as an easy recipe that highlights natural flavors with simple preparation methods.
What is the texture of the finished soup?
The soup has a hearty texture with tender beans and a creamy finish from the blended portion.
Can I serve this for lunch or dinner?
Absolutely, it is a nourishing option for either lunch or dinner.
Should I season the soup at the beginning or the end?
You should taste and season the soup with salt and pepper just before serving.
What kind of stockpot is needed?
A large stockpot is required to hold the 2 lbs of beans and 4 quarts of water.
How many calories are in a serving?
The nutritional information for calories is not specified in the provided recipe data.
Can this soup be shared with friends?
Yes, with 12 servings, it is specifically noted as being a crowd-pleaser for family and friends.
What is the main aromatic used in the soup?
A medium onion chopped and sautéed in butter provides the main aromatic base for the soup.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The provided ingredient list and nutritional data do not show any added sugar.