Bean Soup. Mrs. H. F. Snyder. Recipe

Bean soup is a hearty and delicious dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is a versatile recipe that can be made with various types of beans and can be customized with different meats and seasonings. One such classic recipe for Bean Soup comes from Mrs. H. F. Snyder. This recipe combines the goodness of beans with the flavor of meat and the richness of butter.

To begin, the beans are soaked in water with a teaspoon of soda. This helps to soften the beans and remove the hulls easily. Once the hulls can slip off, the beans are skimmed out and placed in cold water. Mrs. Snyder recommends rubbing the beans with your hands to remove all the hulls. It is important to drain the beans well after removing the hulls.

Next, the recipe calls for boiling two quarts of water with one quart of beans. The beans are boiled until they can be mashed smooth. This step ensures that the beans are cooked thoroughly and have a smooth and creamy texture. Along with the beans, a small piece of meat is also boiled. The meat adds flavor and depth to the soup. If you don't have meat, Mrs. Snyder suggests rubbing butter and flour together and adding it to the soup for richness.

Once the beans are mashed smooth and the meat is cooked, the soup is ready to be served. Mrs. Snyder suggests pouring the soup over toasted bread or crackers, which adds a nice crunch to the dish. The soup should be seasoned with salt and pepper according to taste. For added freshness, a little parsley can be added, if desired.

Now that we have explored Mrs. H. F. Snyder's recipe for Bean Soup, let's take a moment to appreciate the historical significance and fun facts about this beloved dish. Bean soup has been enjoyed by various cultures all around the world for centuries. In ancient times, beans were an important staple food that sustained many civilizations. They were easily grown, stored, and consumed. Bean soup gained popularity during times of food scarcity as it provided a nutritious and filling meal.

In the United States, bean soup has a special place in history. It became a tradition for the U.S. Senate to serve bean soup every day in their dining room. This tradition started in the early 20th century when bean soup was served by Senator Fred Dubois of Idaho. Since then, it has been a staple on the Senate's menu, symbolizing a sense of unity and tradition.

Similar to Mrs. H. F. Snyder's recipe, there are countless variations of bean soup that you can explore. Here are a few popular ones:

1. Ham and Bean Soup: This version adds diced ham to the soup for a smoky and savory flavor.

2. Vegetarian Bean Soup: For those who prefer a meatless option, this soup typically includes a variety of vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions for added flavor and texture.

3. Mexican Bean Soup: Inspired by flavors from Mexico, this version includes spices like cumin, chili powder, and oregano, along with ingredients like tomatoes and corn.

4. Tuscan Bean Soup: Originating from Italy, this soup features cannellini beans, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs like rosemary and thyme.

Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or explore different variations, bean soup is a comforting and nourishing meal that continues to be cherished by many. So gather your ingredients and enjoy a warm bowl of bean soup today!