INGREDIENTS
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3 large carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
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2 celery stalks, diced
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2 medium sweet onions, roughly chopped
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4 cloves garlic, peeled and left whole
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2-3 teaspoons salt (start with less and add to taste)
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1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
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4 (28-ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes
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1 quart low-sodium organic free-range chicken broth
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1/4 to 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped, plus more for garnish
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half and half or heavy cream (optional)
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Freshly grated Parmesan (for garnish, optional)