Chopped Tomato Soup

1 lb chopped tomatoes, peeled
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

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

Spread chunked tomatoes 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 15 minutes. Add the roasted tomatoes with juices, chicken broth, bay leaf and butter. Simmer until vegetables are very tender, about 10 minutes. Add basil and cream, if using. Puree with a hand held immersion blender until smooth.