Creamy Vegetable Soup

"I found this recipe on Pinterest, and you can find the original HERE .  The original title of this recipe was "Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup" which was misleading since it didn't taste like tomatoes.  That's what I was hoping for.  The soup was delicious, however.  I would either keep the title and add a large can of tomato sauce in place of some of the chicken stock, or not put tomato in the title, like I did.  I want to try it with tomato sauce next time.  I have added just two things (garlic and white wine)...feel free to remove those."

 

INGREDIENTS:

3 large tomatoes, diced
1 cup finely diced celery
1 cup finely diced carrots
1 cup finely diced onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano or 1 T fresh oregano
1 T dried basil or 1/4 cup fresh basil
4 cups chicken stock
1/2 c. white wine
½ bay leaf
½ cup flour
1 cup Parmesan cheese
½ cup butter
1/2 cups half and half, warmed
 1 tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

DIRECTIONS:

1. Add tomatoes, celery, carrots, chicken broth, onions, oregano, basil, and bay leaf to a large slow cooker.

2. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-7 hours, until flavors are blended and vegetables are soft.

3. About 30 minutes before serving prepare a roux. Melt butter over low heat in a skillet and add flour. Stir constantly with a whisk for 5-7 minutes. Slowly stir in 1 cup hot soup. Add another 3 cups and stir until smooth. Add all back into the slow cooker. Stir and add the Parmesan cheese, warmed half and half, salt and pepper.

4. Cover and cook on LOW for another 30 minutes or so until ready to serve.