Heat oil and fry the onions till soft. Add the vegetables and cover and cook for about 10 minutes. Add the stock, nutmeg, bay leaf, cinnamon, salt and pepper. Boil and cook till vegetables are well cooked. When cooled, remove the bay leaf and cinnamon stick. Blend well. Then pour back into a clean saucepan and add milk, heating gently, and taste for seasoning. Serve hot with crusty bread.