Minestrone with Shell Beans and Almond Pistou

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 sprig rosemary
3 bushy sprigs thyme
4 parsley sprigs
2 leeks, white and light green parts only, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium zucchini or yellow squash or half of each for color, diced
1 carrot, diced
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 pound fresh shell beans like cranberry or cannelloni, shelled about 1 1/2 cups
4 plum tomatoes about 3/4 pound, diced
½ cup thinly sliced green beans

Nutritional Information
- Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)
  591 calories; 47 grams fat; 8 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 31 grams monounsaturated fat; 5 grams polyunsaturated fat; 35 grams carbohydrates; 11 grams dietary fiber; 12 grams sugars; 13 grams protein; 12 milligrams cholesterol; 1768 milligrams sodium

4 to 6 servings

In a large pot over medium-low heat, heat the oil. Tie rosemary, thyme and parsley in a bundle with kitchen string if desired (this makes it easier to fish out later). Add the herbs, leeks, garlic, zucchini or yellow squash, carrot, salt and pepper to the pot and sauté until the vegetables are golden, 10 to 15 minutes.
Add broth, shell beans, tomatoes, green beans and 4 cups water to the pot. Simmer partly covered until the beans are tender, 30 to 45 minutes. Discard herbs. Thin with a little water if the soup is too thick.
Prepare the pistou: Pulse the basil, almonds, tomato, Parmesan, garlic and salt in a food processor until basil is chopped and all the ingredients are combined. Drizzle in olive oil while the motor runs and continue processing until a paste forms. Serve the soup with dollops of the pistou, letting people add more as needed.

1 hour