Skip to main content

Senate Bean Soup

Years ago, Mrs. Herman Talmadge, wife of our state senator, shared with us Georgia ladies the bean soup recipe that was served in the Senate dining room. It is quite wonderful.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 12

Ingredients

2 pounds Michigan navy beans
4 quarts water
1 1/2 pounds smoked ham hocks
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
1 medium onion, chopped
Salt and pepper

Preparation

  1. Rinse the beans in hot water until they are white. Place them in a stockpot, add the water, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 3 hours. Meanwhile, simmer the ham hocks in a large pot of water for 3 hours. Heat the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion until lightly browned. Add the onion to the pot of beans. Remove two cups of the bean mixture, purée in a blender, and return to the soup. Remove the ham hocks, and break down slightly with a knife. Add to soup mixture. Just before serving, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

Paula Deen's Kitchen Classics
Read More
A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.
Like lemony risotto and tandoori-style cauliflower.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Like airy lemon chiffon cake and a Cadbury egg–inspired tart.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.
Grab your Easter basket and hop in—you’ll want to collect each and every one of these fun and easy Easter recipes.
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.