CHILLED TOMATO, ROASTED GARLIC, AND BASIL SOUP

Chilled Tomato, Roasted Garlic, and Basil Soup image

Yield Makes about 41/2 cups, serving 4 as a first course

Number Of Ingredients 5

4 garlic cloves, unpeeled
2 3/4 pounds vine-ripened tomatoes, quartered
1 1/2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
Tabasco to taste
1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, washed well, spun dry, and chopped

Steps:

In a small heavy skillet dry-roast garlic over moderately low heat, turning it occasionally, until skin is browned and garlic is tender, about 20 minutes, and peel. In a blender purée garlic and tomatoes in batches and force through a fine sieve into a bowl. Stir in vinegar, Tabasco, and salt to taste. Chill soup, covered, at least until cold, about 6 hours, and up to 1 day. Before serving, stir in basil and season with salt and pepper if necessary.