This makes a BIG pot! It is very thick and concentrated. We always freeze in half quart containers and thin with broth or water. Leave out anything your family doesn't like, cut the recipe in half or quartered (soup is very forgiving)- I call this my fridge cleaner soup. Just about anything goes in minestrone. Try your family's faves- spinach goes well. Broccoli or cauliflower gets overdone and mushy as do pasta or rice so never add these. If you like pasta in your soup cook a handful while thawing out the base. All this is eyeballed- if it looks like it needs more of something just toss it in the pot. Leave out the meats if you'd prefer vegetarian or to cut down on fat. We live on this stuff throughout the winter months. I keep a container in the freezer and add bits of Parmesan ends or any strong flavoured cheese to toss in the pot (fish out later).