thyme for tomatoes! — Les Petites Gourmettes

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cups peeled and minced onions
• 1 1/2 cups peeled and thinly sliced carrots
• 3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 pounds ripe tomatoes, halved, seeded, chopped (about 6 or 7 cups)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup fresh thyme leaves, plus more sprigs for garnish
• 2 cups croutons