10. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

Feel free to add more vegetables like peas, corn, or spinach towards the end of the cooking time for extra color and nutrition. For a richer flavor, you can deglaze the skillet with a splash of red wine before adding the onions and garlic. If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of water or add a slurry of cornstarch and water near the end of the cook time. And for those who enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a delightful kick to the soup.