Cut cabbage, onion, carrot, and bell pepper into bite-sized pieces.
Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté the garlic.
Add all the prepared vegetables and stir-fry lightly.
Add tomatoes (or canned tomatoes) and water.
Season with bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
Simmer over medium-low heat until the vegetables are cooked.
Turn off the heat and adjust the seasoning to taste.