Roasted Tomato Fennel Soup

Ingredients

• 1 kg ripe tomatoes, halved
• 2 fennel bulbs, trimmed and sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 liter vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
• Croutons, for garnish (optional)