Cut onion, carrot, celery, and cabbage into bite-sized pieces.
Dice the tomatoes.
Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté onions and garlic.
Add carrot, celery, and cabbage, then sauté.
Add tomatoes and water, then bring to a boil.
Season with bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
Simmer on medium-low heat for about 20 minutes until the vegetables are cooked.