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Some people say that the government is full
of beans - maybe bean soup is why!
Senate Bean Soup, prepared with traditional
early American ingredients of dried white pea beans, onions, and a ham bone, has
been on the menu in the United States Senate restaurant since the early 20th
century, possible longer. Is is the most popular item on the menu and is usually
recommended by members of Congress when entertaining guests there for the first
time.
Bean soup, a favorite of Speaker of the
House, Joseph G. Cannon (1836–1926) of Illinois, was omitted from the menu on
one hot, humid day in 1904. When speaker Cannon arrived for lunch and learned he
could not order it, he was more than a little upset. "Thunderation!"
roared the speaker. "I had my mind set for bean soup. From now on, hot or
cold, rain, snow, or shine, I want it on the menu every day."
A resolution was introduced in 1907 by
Senator Knute Nellson of Minnesota, chairman of the Senate Rules Committee, that
decreed that while the Senate is in session, no day shall pass without Senate
Bean Soup. From that time on, Senate Bean soup has appeared on the menu in all
eleven Congressional dining rooms every single day, regardless of the weather.
This tradition has endured for over 100 years,
According to
other stories, the Senate’s bean soup tradition began early in
the 20th-century at the request of Senator Fred Dubois of Idaho.
Who is right? You be the judge!
More of Linda's great
Soup, Stew, and
Chili Recipes.
Senate Bean Soup Recipe
Recipe Type:
Soup,
Beans,
Mashed Potatoes
Yields: 6 servings
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 hr
Ingredients:
1 cup
dried white pea beans , sorted, rinsed, and drained
3 quarts water
1 (1/4- to 1/2-pound) thick slice of ham or ham bone with meat
2 tablespoon butter
3 medium onions, finely chopped
4 stalks celery (including tops), finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 cup prepared mashed potatoes
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 cup finely-chopped fresh parsley leaves
Preparation:
Place beans in a large soup pot, cover with cold water, and let sit overnight.
Drain and rinse beans. A quick-soak method: cover dried
beans with cold water; bring just to a boil. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 1 to 2 hours. Drain and rinse beans.
In the same soup pot over medium-high heat, bring the 3 quarts of water to a
boil. Reduce heat to low; add beans and ham bone or ham. Cover pot and let
simmer 1 hour.
In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add onions, celery,
and garlic; saute until vegetables are soft. Add vegetables and mashed potatoes
to the cooked soup and let simmer an additional 1 hour or until beans are
thoroughly cooked.
Remove ham bone or ham piece. Cut ham into small pieces, removing bone and fat;
return to soup pot. Add salt and white pepper.
Serve in soup bowls and garnish with chopped parsley.
Makes 6 servings.
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