Heat olive oil over medium high heat
Add carrot, celery, garlic, onions with 1 tsp. salt and saute about 5-6 minutes
Then add basil, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, bay leaf and continue cooking about another minute
Add diced tomatoes, & remaining ingredients
Bring to boil
Reduce heat to medium low and simmer about 30-45 minutes
Taste for salt and pepper
Remove from heat and let cool about 10 minutes
Make sure to remove bay leaf at this time(you don't want to blend it)
Then with your immersion blender slowly blend your tomatoes and vegetables to the consistency you like
Serve immediately or warm till ready to serve.