To make soup thicker, my very Dutch parents added potatoes to the mix. At the end, mom would use a potato masher to the ingredients rather then blender or seive. A little chunks of all the ingredients added the texture that was needed.

Instead of marjoram, I use my favorite salt-free seasoning. My husband & daughters won't eat anything with celery, so I sneak some celery salt into the kettle. I agree, smashing the peas with a manual potato smasher is the best method. I love the texture the little chunks add to the soup. To thicken the soup at the end, I add instant mashed potato flakes. I would recommend starting with a 1/3 cup, then add additional flakes by the tbsp. to your desired thickness.

Love the taste. Just give it a try!

My mother in law (also from Holland) adds some polish kilbasa or sausage to the soup as well. Leek is also added and the potatoes are left slightly chunky. Yummy! "Old years" day isn't the same without it!

This soup was very easy and delicious, my whole family loved it! I used one can chicken broth also and it made it creamier.