3 med. carrots, chopped
3 stalks celery, chopped
2 med. onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 med. potato, diced
1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
12 c. water
Pepper to taste
Herbs to taste

Combine all ingredients in large soup pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until vegetables are tender (about 1 hour). Remove from heat. Cool and strain. Use liquid as base for vegetable soup or for recipes calling for broth or stock.