Roasted Tomato Pepper Soup

Ingredients

• 4 lbs tomatoes
• 2 Fresno chiles ((spicy, optional))
• 1 bulb garlic ((about 6-8 cloves))
• 3 Tbsp olive oil ((divided))
• ¾ tsp sea salt ((divided))
• ¾ tsp black pepper ((divided))
• 1 large yellow onion
• 1 jar roasted red bell peppers ((drained))
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• 2 cups water ((or broth))
• 1 Tbsp chicken bullion ((if using water))
• 2 tsp balsamic vinegar
• ½ cup half and half or heavy cream ((optional))