8 Cups Low Sodium Vegetable Stock - can substitute chicken stock if desired
2 Tbs Balsamic Vinegar
Kosher Salt to taste
Fresh Ground Pepper to taste
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 400ºF
Slice the tomatoes in half lengthwise and slice off the top inch or so of the garlic bulbs exposing the flesh
Line a baking pan with parchment and arrange the tomatoes and garlic bulbs in a single layer
Whisk together 2 Tbs (half) of the olive oil and balsamic vinegar until well incorporated and drizzle over the tomatoes and garlic - Move them around making sure all sides are coated and arrange with the cut sides up - Sprinkle with the thyme leaves and salt and pepper to taste
Place in the top third of the oven and roast until the tomatoes have shrunk and begin to caramelize and the garlic is soft and 'mushy' (apx 40 minutes)
Remove from the oven and allow to cool while you prepare the rest of the soup
In a large pot, heat the remaining 2 Tbs of olive oil over high heat until shimmering - Once the oil is hot, add the celery, onion, and carrot - Fry (stirring occasionally) for 2 minutes
Reduce heat to medium and continue to sauté until tender (apx 7 minutes)
Add the tomato paste and vegetable stock - Bring to a simmer
Squeeze the garlic bulbs to extract the garlic pulp and discard the skins
Add the garlic pulp and roasted tomatoes (along with any liquid) to the soup and continue to simmer until the carrot is soft (apx 25 minutes)
Using an immersion blender* purée until completely smooth (you can strain the soup through a sieve to guarantee all lumps are out if desired)
Season with salt and pepper to taste
Serve hot garnished as desired with a good 'hunk' of crusty bread as a starter or light meal
*Transfer to a blender (in batches if necessary) as alternative