Quick, Easy, Awesome Green Bean Soup

I think this is the only recipe I actually made out of some low-cal cookbook I bought. This is NOT a recipe for frozen or canned beans, use fresh and using enough garlic is the key. I usually use about 12 - 15 cloves. Like the title says, it's really quick, easy and awesome...I think it's also healthy!! Healthy is not one of my favorite cooking terms, so if it's healthy and I like it, you know it's good!!

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Serves: 4-6

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. Combine first 5 ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce to a simmer.
3. Press in garlic.
4. Add beans.
5. Simmer uncovered 10 minutes.
6. Adjust seasonings.
7. Beat egg well in a small bowl.
8. Temper egg by ladling some hot broth into the bowl.
9. Stir the soup while adding the egg to the simmering broth.
10. Add pepper to taste.
11. Top with croutons crostini if you choose.