Corn Chowder

Name: Corn Chowder
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 2 tbsp. butter; 4 scallions; 1 red bell pepper; 2 ribs celery; 1 lb. boiling potatoes (about 3); 4 c. fresh corn kernels (cut from about 8 ears); 1 bay leaf; 1 qt. canned low-sodium chicken broth or homemade stock; 2 tsp. salt; 2 c. milk; 1/4 tsp. fresh-ground black pepper; sour cream

Published: Sep 3, 2008

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Our simple soup really highlights the taste of sweet summer corn, but since the vegetable is available virtually all the time, you can make the chowder year-round. You can even use frozen corn, though fresh is best.

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Ingredients

2 Tbsp. butter
4 scallions
1 red bell pepper
2 ribs celery
1 lb. boiling potatoes (about 3)
4 cups fresh corn kernels (cut from about 8 ears)
1 bay leaf
1 qt. canned low-sodium chicken broth or homemade stock
2 tsp. salt
2 cups milk
1/4 tsp. fresh-ground black pepper
sour cream

Directions

1. Step 1In a large saucepan, melt the butter over moderately low heat. Add the scallion bulbs, bell pepper, and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften, about 10 minutes. Stir in the potatoes, 2 cups of the corn, the bay leaf, broth, and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes.
2. Step 2In a blender or food processor, puree the remaining 2 cups corn with the milk. Stir the puree into the soup along with the black pepper. Simmer until the soup thickens slightly, 5 to 10 minutes. Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the scallion greens. Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream, if using.
3. Step 3Notes: If you want to use frozen corn, puree two cups of it with the milk as directed above, and add the remaining two cups to the soup along with the puree. Since the corn is already cooked, it might toughen if it goes in earlier. You could add a pinch of sugar, too.
4. Step 4Wine Recommendation: Chardonnay seems to have an affinity for corn; perhaps it is the sweet buttery flavors that complement each other so well. For best effect with this chowder, pick a rich, full-bodied example from southeastern Australia.