Roasted Tomato Basil Soup - The Blender Girl

Ingredients

• 8 medium Roma tomatoes, seeded and cut into quarters
• 1 large red bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1/4 cup (60ml) extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Celtic sea salt, plus more to taste
• 2 cups (300g) diced yellow onion
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves)
• 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 4 cups (960ml) vegetable broth
• 1 (14.5-oz/411g) can diced tomatoes (with their juices)
• 1 cup firmly packed finely chopped fresh basil, plus more to serve
• 1/4 cup (22g) sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup, plus more to taste