This is the classic from the U.S. Senate diningroom in Washington, DC.
The senators load up on this to provide the gas they expell on the floor
of the upper chamber while earning the bucks, broads and booze
provided by the lobbyists.


Name: Senate Bean Soup                             Serves: 6

Category: Soup                 Cuisine: American           Source: C/S

Ingredients:

This is the soup that won raves in the U.S. Senate Cafeteria.

Senate Bean Soup

1 lb. dried white beans, soaked over night
6 c. water
1/3 tea. crushed thyme
1 tea. oregano
1/2 lb. potatoes, cut into thick slices
1/4 c. milk or light cream
1/2 c. chopped celery
1/2 c. chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/4 c. chopped parsley
1 tsp. salt

Drain the over night soaked beans, cover with water and bring to a boil in
a large saucepan.  Cover and simmer over low heat for 1 hour.  Steam or
microwave the thick sliced potatoes until tender.  Mash and add milk or
cream until fluffy.  Add mashed potatoes, celery, onion, garlic, parsley and
salt to the beans.  Cover and simmer gently for another hour, stirring
occasionally and lightly mashing the beans with a fork or potato masher
until soup becomes pulpy.  Taste and adjust seasonings.

Makes about 6 servings


** Diced ham or hamhocks can be added for a delicious meal served with
   hot cornbread.