Roasted Sweet Corn Chowder

Roasted Sweet Corn Chowder

Ingredients:

• 18 ears sweet corn, with husks, divided
• 3/4 cup peanut oil
• 2 1/2 cups onion, finely diced
• 1 cup celery, finely diced
• 1/2 cup carrot, finely diced
• 1.5 oz. Jalapeño, finely chopped
• 1 Tbsp. thyme
• 2 tsp. sage
• salt, to taste
• Ground Black Pepper, to taste
• 1 cup Sweet Red Bell Pepper, finely diced

Directions:

1. Preheat grill or broiler. Grill or broil corn until blackened on all sides; cool; remove husks and silks. Cut 4 of the ears into 24 (1-inch) rounds; reserve for garnish. Remove kernels from the remaining 14 ears (makes about 3-½ pounds or 2-½ quarts); break cobs in halves and reserve.
2. In a large stockpot, over medium heat, heat oil. Add onions, celery and carrot; cook until tender but not browned, about 10 minutes.
3. Stir in jalapeño, thyme, sage, salt and pepper; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Add reserved cobs and 2 quarts water. Raise heat to high, cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer until flavors are well blended, about 45 minutes. Remove and discard cobs. Add 3 pounds of the kernels and simmer for 10 minutes longer.
4. Remove pot from heat. Using an immersion blender, puree soup. Add remaining corn kernels; adjust seasonings.
5. To plate: Spoon into soup bowls. Garnish each portion with 2 of the reserved corn wheels and, if desired, with a dollop of sour cream; sprinkle with bell pepper.