Homemade Tomato Soup

Ingredients

* 1 (14-ounce) can chopped tomatoes

* 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

* Salt and freshly ground black pepper

* 1 stalk celery, diced

* 1 small carrot, diced

* 1 yellow onion, diced

* 2 cloves garlic, minced

* 1 cup chicken broth

* 1 bay leaf

* 2 tablespoons butter

* 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves

* 1/2 cup heavy cream, optional

Preparation

* Strain the chopped canned tomatoes, reserving the juices, and spread onto a baking sheet, season with salt and pepper, to taste, drizzle with 1/4 cup of the olive oil and roast until caramelized, about 15 minutes.

* Meanwhile, in a saucepan, heat remaining olive oil over medium-low heat.

* Add the celery, carrot, onion and garlic, cook until softened, about 10 minutes.

* Add the roasted chopped canned tomatoes, reserved tomato juices, chicken broth, bay leaf and butter. Simmer until vegetables are very tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.

* Add basil and cream, if using. Puree with a hand held immersion blender until smooth.