Fiona, you and I always seem to be singing from the same sheet of music. When I want to make my pea soup have some different texture, I buy a bag of baby frozen peas and toss them in. Even my mother (who believes pea soup should almost be pureed in texture, but only because you cook it just right, don't actually puree it!) enjoyed the little change in texture. Don't do it every time, but just to throw a little curve. So it winds up being split pea soup with a spring pea twist. Haven't done it in years. Maybe I'll try it next time!
What a nice idea, Claire and PF. I like the once in a while idea. You don't need to change your TNT, just give it a little kick once in a while.