Senate Bean Soup

The name of this soup comes from the story that is is actually served in the Senate cafeteria almost every day. If it’s served EVERY DAY, I’m guessing it must be good. I’ve made this numerous times and I’d have to agree; it is a lovely soup. Served with cornbread or just by itself, it is pure comfort food. You can easily cook this in a slow cooker and, if it’s during warm weather months, feel free to plug the slow cooker in outside (porch, garage, patio….wherever!) so it doesn’t get in a fight with your air conditioner.
Senate Bean Soup
1 pound dry navy beans (around 2 cups)
1 c chopped celery
1 c chopped onion
1/2 c grated sweet carrot
1 Tbsp minced garlic
1 ham hock (uncured) or a cup of uncured smoked ham (the lunchmeat kind)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground black pepper
Rinse navy beans in a colander just to make sure no debris or dirt remains on them. Place beans, celery, onion, carrot, garlic and ham hock (or ham) in a Dutch oven (or slow cooker) along with enough water to cover everything plus about 1/2” deep. Over high heat, bring ingredients to a boil then reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and cook until beans are tender, which will take around 2 hours. Add salt and pepper before serving. Enjoy!