Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   1      cup           dried baby lima beans
   1      tablespoon    olive oil
   2      cups          finely chopped onion
   1      teaspoon      fennel seeds -- crushed
   1      teaspoon      dried whole thyme
   3      cloves        garlic -- minced
  52 1/2  ounces        low-sodium chicken broth -- (5 cans)
   2      cups          diced zucchini
   1      cup           small seashell macaroni -- uncooked
     1/2  cup           chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
     3/4  teaspoon      grated lemon rind
     1/4  teaspoon      salt
     1/4  teaspoon      crushed red pepper
   1      10 ounce      wh baby clams -- (1 can) undrained
   5      tablespoons   grated parmesan cheese
                        fresh clams -- (optional)

Preparation:

Sort and wash beans; place in a large Dutch oven. Cover with water to 2 inches above beans, and bring to a boil; cook 2 minutes. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 1 hour. Drain beans. Heat oil in pan over medium heat. Add onion and next 3 ingredients; sauté‚5 minutes. Add beans and broth; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 1 hour. Add zucchini and next 6 ingredients; cook 15 minutes or until pasta is done. Yield: 10 servings (serving size: 1 cup soup and 1/2 tablespoon cheese).