4 cups tomato juice, divided
1 teaspoon minced onion
2 bay leaves
4 whole peppercorns
4 cardamom seeds (or 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg)
pinch of cayenne pepper
2 packages (3 ounces each) plain or lemon gelatin
watercress or lettuce, as garnish
Heat half the tomato juice to a boil and add seasonings. Simmer for 5 minutes and strain. Add strained juice to gelatin, and stir to dissolve. Add remaining juice, and pour into a 1-quart mold or 8×8-inch pan. Chill until firm (at least 2 hours), then unmold. Serve over greens, plain, or with a blue cheese or other dressing.