Tomato Basil Soup

Ingredients (15)

• 2 pounds roma tomatoes
• 8 cloves garlic , smashed, with paper removed
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 8 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 carrot , shredded, about 1 cup
• 1/2 medium yellow onion , shredded, about 3/4 cup
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth , (use chicken broth if you prefer)
• 1 cup half and half
• 1/2 cup slivered fresh basil
• 1 cup cooked orzo pasta
• 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese