Grilled Corn Chowder with Peppers & Cilantro

  • 6

Ingredients

  • 8 ears husked corn, 4 ears left whole and kernels cut from remaining ears and the cobs scraped to release juice
  • 1 large onion, peeled and sliced very thick
  • 1/2 Poblano pepper, stemmed and seeded
  • 1 pound new potatoes, halved
  • 1 1/2 Tbs. olive oil
  • Salt and ground black pepper
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 tsp. dried thyme leaves
  • 1 quart chicken broth
  • 2 Tbs. chopped fresh cilantro, plus extra for garnish

Preparation

Step 1

Brush the 4 ears of corn, onion, bell pepper and potatoes with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Purée cut and scraped corn in a blender (you should have about 2 cups).

Heat gas grill, igniting all burners on high for at least 10 minutes, or build a hot charcoal fire. Clean grate with a wire brush and lubricate with an oil-soaked rag. Place vegetables on hot grate, making sure potatoes are cut-side down. Cook until spotty brown, about 5 minutes for the potatoes (no need to turn) and about 10 minutes (turning once) for the corn, onions and pepper. Remove vegetables from grill; set aside until cool enough to handle. Chop potatoes and onions, and remove corn from cobs.

Meanwhile, fry bacon in a large soup kettle over medium-high heat until crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Add thyme and then corn puree'; cook until it begins to bubble. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil; add vegetables, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, partially covered, until flavors blend, about 5 minutes, adding water if necessary to desired thickness. Stir in cilantro. Ladle into bowl and garnish with cilantro leaves.