CREAM OF TOMATO SOUP

Tomato - 350 gms
Butter - 30 gms
Maida - 30 gms
Salt to taste
Milk - 300 ml
Veg. stock/ water - 200 ml
Onions - 55 gms
Celery - 30 gms
Carrot - 80 gms
Bread - 2 slices
Red colour - To colour
Pepper powder - 1/4 tsp

Clean and cut tomatoes. Chop onions, carrot and celery.
Cover with cold veg stock. Add pepper powder, salt and cook on slow fire till the vegetables are tender.
Pass through a sieve to make a puree.
Prepare white sauce with flour, milk, and butter.
Add tomato puree gradually to the white sauce and continue cooking.
Check for taste. Add more seasoning and colour if required.
Cut bread slice into 1 cm cubes and fry till golden brown colour (Croutons).
Serve hot garnished with croutons