Creamy Tomato Soup by Manna & Spice

– 4?5 large carrots peeled and chopped (about 2?3 cups)
– 1 onion, peeled and chopped
– 2 stalks celery, chopped
– 1 tbsp chopped garlic
– 2 14.5 oz cans diced fire roasted tomatoes with liquid (or whole or plain tomatoes, whatever you have on hand)
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 4 tbsp tomato paste
– 1/4 cup fresh basil, stems removed and roughly chopped (1 tbsp dried basil)
– 2?3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
– 1/2 tsp dried thyme
– 2 tsp kosher salt (less if using table salt)
– 1 tsp black pepper