Chop onion, carrot, and celery into small pieces.
Add olive oil to a pot and sauté the prepared vegetables.
Add minced garlic and sauté further.
Add tomatoes (canned or fresh).
Add all prepared vegetables such as cabbage and bell pepper.
Pour in water or vegetable broth.
Add bay leaf, pepper, and salt, and bring to a boil.
Simmer over medium heat until the vegetables are cooked.