How To Make McGuire Irish Pub Senate Bean Soup Recipe (2024)

McGuire’s Irish Pub is known for its delicious and hearty meals, including its famous Senate Bean Soup.Here’s the scoop on McGuire Irish Pub Senate Bean Soup recipe!

This rich and flavorful soup has created quite the buzz, turning it into a popular choice among patrons.

Drawing inspiration from a traditional recipe that could trace its roots back to the US Senate in the early 1900s, McGuire’s Irish Pub, which is located in the Florida Panhandle, has developed their own take on the classic soup.

Adding a unique touch to the dish that combines great taste and satisfying comfort.

Preparing Senate Bean Soup at home isn’t just enticing, but it’s also achievable.

A careful blend of beans, vegetables, and spices, this wonderful homemade soup is as much about the preparation as it is about the flavors.

With its savory combination of soaked beans, onions, cabbage, large carrots, and celery, heated in a simmering pot and complemented by the richness of the buttery garlic base, this delicious concoction will surely delight your taste buds.

While the cooking process takes time and patience, the end result is rewarding, resulting in a warming and nourishing meal.

Whether it’s a special occasion, a family dinner, or simply a craving for a taste of McGuire’s Irish Pub at home, this Senate Bean Soup recipe is worth the effort.

Enjoy the process and savor the flavors that have made this dish an iconic comfort food, as this is sure to soon become one of your most favorite soup recipes to make at home.

History of McGuire’s Irish Pub and Senate Bean Soup

McGuire’s Irish Pub, a renowned establishment serving American and Irish fare, pays homage to its roots through its delectable Senate Bean Soup.

The story behind this classic navy bean soup dates back to the 1920s when Padraig McGraith, an Irish immigrant from County Clare, worked as a dishwasher in the U.S. Senate cafeteria.

Padraig McGraith was asked to make a real Irish soup by the Senate chefs after having heard his countless stories about home.

This tasty soup soon became a hit with the Senate.

Senator Fred Thomas Dubois of Idaho allegedly helped place this soup on the daily menu of the Senate.

Fascinated by the simple, yet flavorful blend of beans, ham, and vegetables, McGraith incorporated it into the menu of his own pub, McGuire’s Irish Pub.

As the popularity of the Senate bean soup spread across America, it became a mainstay at many Irish-American pubs and restaurants, including McGuire’s.

The great thing is that you still won’t have to pay for your senate bean soup today in dollar bills, as the cost of the soup at McGuire’s Irish Pub is still 18 cents — a fair price for a high quality dish.

Variations

The classic American senate bean soup typically includes navy beans, a large ham bone (which comes from French loin pork chops), garlic, onion, celery, carrots, romaine lettuce, bay leaf, cloves, salt, and black pepper.

If you don’t want to use a large ham bone, try going for a smaller cut.

Consider using some tender artichokes or yellow peppers as well.

If you’re using meat in Mcguire’s favorite recipe, try corned beef, hand cut kosher smoked ham, choice beef tenderloins, or a filet mignon cut of meat.

Keep in mind that, if you opt for prime cuts of beef, this meat has the most fat marbling compared to other meats.

You could also substitute the ham bone or bits of meat used for the soup for fresh fish instead.

In Paddy McGraith’s honor, McGuire’s puts their own Irish twist on the dish by cooking it low and slow for about three hours, creating a rich and hearty dish that warms patrons from the inside out.

McGuire’s Irish Pub also encourages guests to make their version of the Senate bean soup at home.

The pub provides instructions on how to make one’s own simple cheesecloth pouch containing the bay leaf and cloves, adding it to a pot of boiling water with onion, carrots, celery, romaine lettuce, salt, and pepper.

This technique makes it easy for home chefs to extract the flavors of these ingredients without having to fish them out afterward.

While the historical connection between the U.S. Senate and McGuire’s Irish Pub may have been coincidental at first, the Senate bean soup has, in many ways, become a symbol of the pub’s Irish-American identity.

By offering their unique take on this classic fare, McGuire’s Irish Pub continues to share an important culinary tradition with its visitors.

McGuire’s Irish Pub

It’s also important to note that McGuire’s Irish Pub makes their own beers and has cute dining areas with great service, making them a great place to visit if you don’t happen to be in County Clare, Ireland at the moment.

Moreover, McGuire’s Irish Pub has more tasty treats on their menu which are worth trying, such as their steaks which are grilled over hickory wood fires.

For a guide to whether you want your steak rare, medium, or well done, check out the menu on their website, where McGuire’s cousin Nathan defines these terms.

Taste their fish as well, some of which come from the Irish Sea.

Don’t forget to visit their gift shop as well to take some souvenirs home with you!

Key Ingredients and Preparation

Soaking and Rinsing the Beans

The main ingredient for McGuire’s Irish Pub Senate Bean Soup is beans, which can be either navy beans or great northern beans.

One of the first things you’ll do in this recipe is rinse the beans, removing any debris or stones.

To prepare them, place the beans in a large bowl and add enough water to cover.

Let the beans soak overnight, covered.

Preparing the Vegetables

While the beans are soaking, prepare the other key ingredients to enhance the soup’s flavor.

You will need the following:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Optional: 1 cup of chopped cabbage
• Optional: 1 cup of romaine lettuce

When you’re ready to start cooking, prep these ingredients by finely chopping the onion, celery, and carrot.

Mince the garlic, and if using cabbage or romaine lettuce, make sure to chop it into smaller pieces as well.

Cooking the Ham Hock and Beans

Now it’s time to cook the soaked beans with a smoked ham hock or ham bone.

Use a large pot for this step.

Place the ham hock or bone in the pot along with 2 quarts or 4 pints of cold water.

Bring the water to a boil, then lower it to a simmer.

You could use liquid smoke for your ham bone or meat to give it that woody flavor.

Meanwhile, make a cheesecloth pouch containing the following spices:

• 1 bay leaf
• Few whole cloves

Add the pouch, prepared vegetables (onion, celery, carrots, and optional cabbage), salt (1 1/2 teaspoons), and freshly ground black pepper (approximately 16 turns) to the pot.

Stir everything together in the hot water and let the mixture continue to cook at a simmer for about 3 hours until the beans are tender, and the meat is falling off the bone.

Try using pure low cholesterol oil when cooking.

Once the cooking process is complete, carefully remove the cheesecloth pouch and the ham bone.

You can now serve the McGuire’s Irish Pub Senate Bean Soup alongside fresh french bread or a kosher rye bread for a hearty, satisfying meal.

Cooking Instructions

Simmering the Soup

To start, gather your ingredients and prepare them accordingly.

Rinse the navy beans, discarding any dark-colored beans, and place them in a large bowl.

Add about 2 quarts of water that’s cold to cover the beans.

Let them soak overnight, or at least for 8 hours.

When you’re ready to make this great soup, drain and rinse the beans one more time.

Then, transfer them to a large stockpot and add enough water to cover them by 5 inches.

Bring the pot to a boil, reduce the heat, and let it simmer.

As it simmers, prepare the other ingredients.

Peel and chop the carrots, onions, and celery.

Mince the garlic cloves as well.

Additionally, you could incorporate red onions into this U.S. Senate served soup.

Preparing the Seasoning

In a skillet, melt some butter and sauté the vegetables and garlic until they are tender.

Next, add the prepared vegetables, ham, and chicken stock to the stockpot with the beans.

Create a seasoning spice pouch with cheesecloth, bay leaves, and some cloves.

Tie the pouch securely and add it to the stockpot.

Mix everything together and let it simmer.

During this stage, stir occasionally and add more water if necessary to prevent burning.

Always make sure the beans are covered with water while they cook.

Finishing the Soup

Continue to simmer the soup for about 3 hours, or until the beans are tender and the meat is falling off the bone.

Once it’s done, remove the seasoning pouch and the bones from the pot.

Taste the soup and season it as needed with salt and pepper.

You could also sprinkle some herbed bread crumbs or crumbled tortilla chips to put a twist on the original recipe.

For a sweetness to your soup, top it off with some brown sugar.

If desired, use additional herbs or spices to enhance the flavor.

Your McGuire’s Irish Pub Senate Bean Soup is now ready to serve and enjoy.

Have some orange juice or Irish whiskey glaze along with your soup.

Serving Suggestions

McGuire’s Irish Pub Senate Bean Soup is the best food for comfort that can be enjoyed all year round.

This hearty soup is perfect for warming up in the cold winter months and can also be a deliciously filling meal during the spring and summer.

When serving this flavorful bean soup, there are several options for accompaniments.

A warm, crusty loaf of fresh bread is a great choice, as it allows guests to dip the bread into the soup, soaking up all the rich flavors.

A variety of bread options can be offered, such as:

• Sourdough
• French Baguette
• Rustic whole-grain

As an alternative to bread, you may also consider serving this bean soup with a side of mashed Irish potatoes.

The creamy and smooth texture of mashed potatoes pairs well with the robust flavors of the soup, making for a comforting and satisfying meal.

You could also make Irish potato skins or an Irish boxty instead, which are both usually accompanied by homemade Granny Smith applesauce. Just make sure to bake them until golden brown.

Additionally, you could serve the soup with a side of sautéed vegetables.

Don’t forget about those delicious Irish egg rolls made with free range eggs, which could be accompanied with guacamole dip as well.

Aim for vegetables with rich colors and flavors to complement the soup.

Some options include:

• Spinach
• Bell peppers
• Zucchini
• Red onion

Serving the soup in a pre-heated bowl can enhance the overall dining experience.

Pre-heating the bowl ensures the soup remains hot throughout the meal so that the flavors remain fresh and vibrant.

When presenting the soup, ensure that the beans are not translucent, showcasing the quality and texture of the dish.

Lastly, consider garnishing the soup with fresh herbs, such as chopped parsley or cilantro, to enhance the presentation and add a touch of brightness to the dish.

You could also sprinkle shredded parmesan cheese, Swiss cheese, or smoked Gouda cheese on top of your 18 cent senate bean soup.

For an untraditional approach, drizzle some marinara sauce for a creamier soup.

Some additional side dishes to go along with this soup are Caesar salad or all natural fries.

The final result will be a satisfying and comforting meal that showcases McGuire’s Irish Pub Senate Bean Soup at its finest.

Alternative Recipe Options

If you’re looking to experiment with McGuire’s Irish Pub Senate Bean Soup recipe, there are several alternative options you can try.

These variations can help you achieve a velvety texture, simplify the process by soaking the beans, or even make the soup ahead of time.

To create a velvety texture, consider pureeing a portion of the cooked beans.

This can be done using a hand blender, a traditional countertop blender, or an immersion blender.

Be sure to remove a portion of beans (approximately 1-2 cups) from the pot before blending.

Once pureed, you can return the mixture to the pot and stir it into the other ingredients.

This will offer a smooth consistency while still maintaining some whole bean texture.

If you find that soaking the beans overnight can be inconvenient or you simply forget, you can try a quick-soak method.

To do this, place the beans in a pot with enough water to cover by 2 inches.Bring the beans to a boil, then remove from heat.

Cover and let the beans sit for an hour.After that, drain and rinse the beans, and they’ll be ready to use in the recipe.

For a make-ahead option, you can prepare the Senate Bean Soup in advance and store it in the refrigerator or freezer.

To refrigerate, allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container.

The soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Freezing the soup is another make-ahead alternative.

Allow the soup to cool before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or resealable plastic bags.The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

To reheat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight, then warm it up on the stovetop.

By experimenting with these alternative recipe options, you can create a unique version of McGuire’s Irish Pub Senate Bean Soup that suits your taste and schedule.

Final Thoughts

The McGuire’s Irish Pub Senate Bean Soup is a delicious and hearty dish that has remained a popular choice among patrons since the pub’s opening in 1977.

Its rich flavors and satisfying texture make it a comforting meal enjoyed by many.

The soup consists of navy beans, ham, and a variety of vegetables, all simmered together for a flavorful result.

Preparing the dish requires some time and planning, such as soaking the beans overnight and letting the flavors meld during a long simmer, but the effort is well worth it.

When serving the Senate Bean Soup, additional touches like Shamrock Tortilla Dippers can provide a fun and festive twist, especially during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Homemade dippers can easily be made using a cookie cutter and baked until crisp, making them a perfect accompaniment to the soup.

The McGuire’s Irish Pub Senate Bean Soup is a beloved recipe that offers a comforting, flavorful meal for any occasion.

Its combination of navy beans, ham, and an assortment of vegetables makes for a satisfying dish that’s sure to please a crowd or be enjoyed simply as a comforting dish on a cold day.

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