Hounded (part 2): U.S. Senate Bean Soup

Daryl leads Oscar and Carl into the tombs to clear Walkers. Daryl confesses to Carl how his own mother's death came about. She had been drinking and smoking in bed. The resulting fire took her life and burned his family home to the ground. Carl shares that after Lori's death, he was the one to put her down. They both apologize to each other over their losses and continue their work in the tombs. 

Later, Daryl continues clearing the lower levels on his own. Still grieving Carol's loss, he takes out his frustrations on the prison walls when he hears banging on one of the metal doors. He yanks the door open, preparing to pummel the Walker causing it, when he sees Carol sitting on the floor.

Dehydrated and weak, she'd managed to keep banging on the door to alert the others. He scoops her up and carries her back to C-Block.

Rick finally approaches Hershel as the older man holds the baby. He takes her gently in his arms and smiles. Rick leads Carl, Beth and Hershel out into the sunshine of the prison yard as he holds his daughter for the first time. He tells Carl how much the tiny girl looks like him when something catches his eye.

A young black woman carrying a sword and a red grocery basket has approached the prison fence. She has a terrible limp and Rick can see she's covered in blood and has a leg injury.

It's a good thing the Group had already eaten lunch. With the continuing chaos of the day, they would need all their strength. Beth would have taken a turn in the makeshift kitchen.

U.S. Senate Bean Soup has been served in the Senate cafeteria since 1901. While the U.S. Senate is no more; their culinary legacy lives on in this classic recipe. This all-American soup has been reimagined to include only pantry ingredients. Your Group will find this soup to be memorable and comforting.

And when the dead rise; and one of your Group goes missing…and you hear banging on one of the doors…for God's sake just open it!!!!

U.S. Senate Bean Soup

1 pound dried navy beans (soak overnight in enough water to cover)
1 can SPAM, diced 
1 (14 oz) can carrots, drained
1 (14 oz) can potatoes, drained (and cubed if they are whole potatoes)
6 cups of water, stock or broth
2 Bay Leaves
2-3 Tbsp. dried Minced Onion
2 tsp. Garlic Powder
2 Tbsp. dried Parsley
Kosher Salt and Black Pepper to taste

Soaking Directions: In a large bowl, combine dried beans with 5-6 cups of water (enough to cover by 2 inches). Soak overnight. This step is very important as it reduces the required cooking time.

The next morning, drain the beans. In a large soup pot (over medium heat or hot coals) combine the pre-soaked beans, the diced SPAM, 6 cups of water (or stock or broth), bay leaves, minced onion and garlic powder.

Bring to a boil and cover with a  lid. Allow to boil for 1 hour and 15 minutes (stirring occasionally so beans don't stick). Add carrots and potatoes. Cook for an additional 15-30 minutes, or until beans are soft and creamy textured. If the soup becomes too thick while cooking, feel free to add additional stock or water (1/4 cup at a time) until the desired consistency is reached.

At this point, remove from heat and stir in Kosher Salt and Pepper to taste. The salt from the SPAM might be enough, so add Kosher Salt only a pinch at a time until you are satisfied with the flavor. Stir in dried parsley and serve immediately.