Vegetarian Soupe Au Pistou

Ingredients

• 2 cups canned chick-peas, rinsed
• 5 cups vegetable broth
• 15 ounces chopped tomatoes
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 sprig fresh thyme
• 3 medium red potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
• 1 cup carrot, sliced
• 1 cup frozen Italian flat beans
• 14 cup vermicelli (optional)
• prepared pesto sauce