Let's Get Stew-pid

What is it about bay leaves? They have some sort of magical property that makes soups, especially stews, really sing. Tonight for dinner I made a version of  the hearty winter stew from Whole Foods' Crockpot recipes from the Engine 2 challenge.

Stew-alicious Stew

1 yellow onion
2-3 carrots
3 yukon gold potatoes
1 turnip
4 celery stalks
4 garlic cloves
1 package of seitan
1 carton potato leek soup
1-2 c. veggie broth
2 tsp thyme
2 tsp black pepper
2 bay leaves
Bragg's or soy sauce to taste

Dice onions and start to saute on high heat (no oil!). Add diced carrots, potatoes, celery, garlic and turnip (add as you dice so they can brown). If your pan starts to brown, just add some potato leek soup or veggie broth to loosen that browned veggie goodness. Add the seitan, thyme and black pepper. Add the potato leek soup, veggie broth and bay leaves. Simmer until the potatoes are cooked. Enjoy!