Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound dried navy beans, rinsed and sorted
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 smoked ham hock
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Instant Pot pressure cooker
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Add the navy beans, onion, celery, carrots, garlic, ham hock, chicken broth, bay leaf, and thyme to the Instant Pot.
2. Close the lid and set the pressure valve to "sealing".
3. Cook on high pressure for 45 minutes.
4. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes, then carefully turn the valve to "venting" to release any remaining pressure.
5. Remove the ham hock and bay leaf from the soup.
6. Use an immersion blender to puree about half of the soup, or transfer half of the soup to a blender and puree until smooth.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 45 minutes
Temperature:
- High pressure on Instant Pot
Serving size:
- 6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 307
- Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Protein: 21g
- Fiber: 13g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Navy beans can be substituted with other white beans, such as cannellini or great northern.
- Smoked ham hock can be substituted with a smoked turkey leg or bacon.
Variations:
- Add diced potatoes or sweet potatoes for a heartier soup.
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
- Add a can of diced tomatoes for a tomato-based bean soup.
Tips and tricks:
- Rinse and sort the beans before using to remove any debris.
- Soak the beans overnight for a creamier texture.
- Use an immersion blender for easy pureeing directly in the Instant Pot.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in a pot on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions.
Pairings:
- Serve with crusty bread or cornbread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth or water to thin it out.
- If the soup is too thin, puree more of the soup or add a can of drained and rinsed white beans to thicken it.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the Instant Pot is properly sealed before cooking.
- Allow the pressure to release naturally before opening the lid.
Food history:
- Senate Bean Soup is a traditional soup served in the United States Senate cafeteria since the early 20th century.
Flavor profiles:
- Smoky, savory, and slightly sweet from the vegetables.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot as a main dish or side dish.
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