Tasty Tomato Soup

  2 Tbsp unrefined coconut oil 1 cup chopped onion 1 cup chopped peeled carrots 1 cup chopped celery 1 tbsp fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme 2 tsp minced garlic 1 bay leaf 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes in juice (I use organic Muir) 1 14 oz can diced tomatoes in juice (I use Organic Muir) 1 3/4 organic vegetables or chicken broth 4 tbsp chopped fresh basil chopped plum tomatoes for topping Heat coconut oil in large saucepan Add onions and sautee for 5 minutes until soft Add carrots and celery and sautee for 5 minutes Add thyme and bay leaf, garlic and sautee for another 5 minutes Add canned tomatoes and let simmer for 20 minutes Remove bay Leaf Add Fresh Basil and then puree (either pour into a blender piece meal to puree or I find it easier to use my trusty Black and Decker immersion blender so it doesn't have to be transferred from the pot) Mix some chopped fresh basil with the fresh plum tomatoes and scoop on top of soup in bowl for garnish This is so delicious!  I usually triple the recipe and put the remainder in the freezer.  Enjoy!