Quick, Easy, Awesome Green Bean Soup

Ingredients

• 6 cups chicken broth (use fresh, canned low-fat or low sodium, whatever you like)
• 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• 1 sprig thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 12 garlic cloves, pressed (I use up to 15 cloves)
• 1/2 lb fresh green beans, cut into 1 1/2 inch lengths (basically cut so they will fit on a soup spoon)
• 1 egg
• 3 teaspoons parsley
• crouton (or crostini, optional)

Directions

1. 1

   Combine first 5 ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil.

2. 2

   Reduce to a simmer.

3. 3

   Press in garlic.

4. 4

   Add beans.

5. 5

   Simmer uncovered 10 minutes.

6. 6

   Adjust seasonings.

7. 7

   Beat egg well in a small bowl.

8. 8

   Temper egg by ladling some hot broth into the bowl.

9. 9

   Stir the soup while adding the egg to the simmering broth.

10. 10

    Add pepper to taste.

11. 11

    Top with croutons crostini if you choose.