Senate Navy Bean Soup
Dear SOS: Please print that old recipe for bean soup that our representatives enjoy at their cafe in Washington, D.C.
Wilbur A. Williams Jr.
Los Angeles
Dear Wilbur: Here is one version of the bean soup recipe that has been served in the Senate cafeteria since 1903, so it qualifies as an old recipe. This makes me wonder if my grandmother was right when she said most politicians were full of beans.
Soak the beans in the water in a pot overnight.
Add the ham bone to the pot and simmer the beans until they start to become tender, about 1 hour. Mix in the mashed potatoes until smooth. Add the onions, celery, garlic and parsley and simmer until the beans are soft, about 1 hour.
Remove the ham bone, then dice the meat and return it to the soup. Thin with hot water, if necessary (the soup should be thick). Season to taste with salt and pepper. Garnish with lemon slices.
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