TOMATO SOUP
Let 1 quart can of tomatoes, 2 cups of water (or rice stock), a sprig of parsley, 1 bay leaf, and 1 onion simmer together for fifteen minutes, then press through a sieve and return to the fire to boil. Rub 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of flour together, and stir into the boiling soup until smooth. Add salt, pepper, and a pinch of soda, and serve immediately with croutons. If water in which rice has boiled is used omit the flour and the soda.