- 2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (optional)
- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)