Minestrone With Clams recipe

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)

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; saute 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.