INGREDIENTS
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 cup finely diced celery
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1 cup finely diced carrots
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1 cup finely diced onions
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28 oz can whole plum tomatoes, with juice
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1 tsp thyme
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1/4 cup fresh basil
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3 1/2 cups reduced sodium chicken broth (or vegetable for vegetarians)
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Parmesan or Romano cheese rind (optional)
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1 bay leaf
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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2 tablespoons flour
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1/3 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
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1 3/4 cups reduced fat (2%) milk, warmed
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salt, to taste
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black pepper, to taste