"I have been making this soup for a few years now. It is a huge family favorite! I make it so much that I buy a large batch of carrots, onion and celery to puree and then freeze in batches so that I can have a quick start to making it during the week. Sometimes I use fresh herbs and sometimes I use dried. It does not matter and turns out great! I also use dark red kidney beans along with the great northern beans. Thank you Bobby, for a wonderful healthy meal!