Russian Potato Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

3 tablespoons butter
2 onions, finely chopped
2 celery ribs, finely chopped
1/2 lb potato, peeled and diced
1 carrot, grated
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup water
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon basil
1/3 cup bacon (optional) or 1/3 cup ham, bits (optional)
2 -3 cups chicken stock
1/8 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/8 teaspoon paprika

Preparation

Saute veggies and garlic in butter for about 15 minutes.
Add water, bay leaf, and basil; simmer, covered, until vegetables are tender. 20 - 25 minutes.
Mash the veggies or process briefly in a food processor. Do not make it into a homogenous mix. You should still be able to discern separate ingredients and colors.
Add the chicken stock and optional meat. Heat and season with Worcestershie and paprika before serving.