Slow Cooker Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup

INGREDIENTS

medium roma tomatoes (2 pounds total), cored and seeded

medium red peppers, halved and seeded,

sweet onion, quartered

jalapeno, halved and seeded (if desired)

2 cloves

garlic

1 tbsp

olive oil

salt and pepper

celery stalks, chopped

medium carrot, chopped

8 tbsp

tomato paste

2 cups

reduced-sodium vegetable broth or chicken broth

2 tsp

sugar

1 tsp

Italian seasoning

Optional toppings: fresh basil, parmesean cheese, croutons or bread cubes.