End of the Month Soup hits the spot

Navy Bean Soup is the official -- and obvious -- name, but Emilie Townsend knows this dish by another.

"This has been called 'End of the Month Soup' because . . . it was cheap to make and didn't require any ingredients that weren't easily available," said Townsend, who lives in Manquin in King William County.

She's been making the soup for 47 years, since her husband, Guy, came across it when invited to dinner by an Army buddy and his wife, who prepared the soup. Guy enjoyed it, and after the Townsends married the friend's wife sent Emilie the recipe and told her she called it "End of the Month Soup."

"My children liked it as well so it became a family staple," said Townsend. "I make it often and try to keep some in the freezer, without much luck, to have on hand. With an assortment of crackers or homemade bread and a tossed salad, it makes a full meal."

Townsend said to be sure to add a teaspoon of vinegar to each bowl. She uses apple cider vinegar but figures white or balsamic vinegar would work fine, too.

"It really makes a difference," she said. "I assume it's the acidic quality that enhances the taste. Perhaps lemon juice would do the same thing, but I've never tried it."

The soup makes a fine Lenten meal if you've given up meat. When Lent is over and if you're so inclined, Townsend said, add some bits of country ham.

Contact Bill Lohmann at (804) 649-6639 or .