This was one of the best soup recipes I've ever tried. Not accustomed to adding dry spices at the beginning of the cooking cycle-was a little nervous but turned out great. I upped the quantities of carrots, potato and celery but otherwise stuck to the recipe. My 12 year old who never, ever ate any soup his whole life so far, couldn't resist the aroma and had to try a taste-just to say he tried it. He ended up having two bowls! Hubby went back for thirds. Can't thank you enough, will make this again and again