In stockpot over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add onion, celery, green pepper and garlic. Saute until onion is translucent, 3 to 5 minutes. Add cumin. Saute until aromatic, 1 to 2 minutes.
Add remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Cover. Simmer 15 minutes.
Discard bay leaves from soup.
Puree 1/2 of soup. Return pureed mixture to remaining soup. Mix well. Return to a boil. Reduce heat. Simmer 5 minutes.