hearty meatball vegetable stew

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 large onion
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 teaspoon thyme, dried (or 1-2 tb fresh)
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 package frozen meatballs (or fresh if you've got time)
• 1/2 - head of cabbage, chopped
• 1 can crushed tomatoes (14 oz)
• 1 can tomato paste
• 1/2 cup red wine, dry (you can add up to a cup if you like)
• 2 - bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• pinch salt & pepper (to taste)