Photography by Greg DuPree; Styling by Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling by Torie Cox
In recent times, many of us are gravitating towards comforting soup and stew recipes to warm up cold evenings. Some soups require hours of simmering to develop rich flavors reminiscent of slow meals at Grandma’s house. Others can transform simple vegetables into a delightful dish in under an hour, perfect for entertaining guests. One famous soup recipe that has seen a resurgence in popularity is Navy Bean Soup, thanks to a recent post on Reddit’s “Today I Learned” (TIL) forum.
A Reddit user shared, “TIL that Navy Bean Soup has been on the menu of the Senate Dining Room every day since 1903,” sparking a flood of comments praising this classic white bean and ham soup. Known as Senate Soup or Capitol Hill Bean Soup, this beloved comfort food, as confirmed on the Senate’s official website, has been a daily fixture on Capitol Hill, with only one exception.
Legend has it that on September 14, 1943, wartime rationing caused a temporary shortage of beans in the cafeteria, leading to the notable absence of Navy Bean Soup from the menu, as reported by the Washington Times-Herald the following day. In a speech in 1988, Senator Bob Dole recounted the incident, highlighting how more beans miraculously appeared the next day, and the tradition of serving bean soup has continued uninterrupted since then.
Capitol Hill Bean Soup has stood the test of time due to its simplicity, affordability, and comforting flavors. The recipe involves soaking dried white navy beans overnight, simmering them with a ham bone or ham hock, celery, onion, garlic, and a potato to thicken the broth. Seasoned with salt, pepper, and parsley for a finishing touch, this soup is a nourishing and satisfying meal.
Various stories contribute to the lore of this iconic bean soup, including a resolution reportedly passed by Senator Fred Dubois mandating its daily presence on the Capitol Hill menu. Another tale attributes the soup’s perpetual appearance to Senator Knute Nelson’s personal fondness for it. Modern variations of the recipe still circulate online, keeping the tradition alive.
Despite its historical quirks, Senate Bean Soup remains a beloved dish even beyond the confines of Capitol Hill. Notably, McGuire’s Irish Pub in Pensacola, Florida, has been serving the soup daily since 1977, with a price that has remained unchanged when added to a meal. However, inflation has inevitably affected the standalone cost, now listed at $18 on the menu.
Whether enjoyed in a government building or a neighborhood pub, the enduring appeal of Senate Bean Soup lies in its rich history and comforting flavors that have stood the test of time.
If you’re pondering what to do with leftover ham after Easter or have a spare ham bone on hand, you might want to try making this traditional and cherished soup recipe. One Reddit user raves, “Navy Bean Soup is often what gets me excited about having a ham.” While a ham dinner is delightful, the aroma of simmering the bone all day fills the house with a wonderful scent, and the soup is incredibly satisfying. For a special touch, we suggest pairing it with a side of No-Knead Buttermilk Bread. Find more details in the original article on Southern Living.
