Directions

1. In a large saucepan, bring the broth, onion, and vanilla bean to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes or until onion is tender. Discard vanilla bean.

2. In a small bowl, stir together the butter and flour. Whisk into broth mixture. Cook and stir until slightly thickened and bubbly.

3. Add beans to broth mixture. Return to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes more or until beans are crisp-tender. Ladle into bowls. If desired, garnish with steamed green beans and serve with Herbed Sourdough Breadsticks. Makes 6 to 8 side-dish servings.

Steamed Green Beans: Place 1/2 pound thin green beans in a steamer basket. Cover and steam over boiling water for 5 to 7 minutes or until tender.

Herbed Sourdough Breadsticks: Preheat oven to 375 degree F. Cut half of a 12-inch sourdough baguette lengthwise into 1/2-inch slices. Cut into 1-inch-wide sticks. Brush cut surfaces evenly with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon snipped fresh thyme. Place on baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 16 minutes or until golden.