Corn Chowder with Red Pepper & Onion

Fresh sage and a hint of red pepper give this sweet chowder just a subtle hint of spice.

Ingredients:
4 ears of corn shucked
1 sweet onion, peeled and diced
1 red Bell pepper, seeded and diced
4 cups vegetable or corn stock
6 fresh sage leaves, chopped
Pinch red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons olive oil
Sea salt

Method:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat, then place the ears of corn directly on the grates and grill, 8-10 minutes, rotating occasionally, until the cobs are slightly charred. Remove and allow to cool, then shuck the kernels from the cobs using a sharp kitchen knife. Set aside.

2. Heat the oil in a 4-quart pot until shimmering. Add the onion and peppers and sauté until lightly tender, 2-3 minutes. Add the corn (reserving a small handful for garnish), sage and chile pepper flakes; sauté for 1 minute. Season with salt to taste. Stir in the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer until vegetables are all tender, about 5 minutes.

2. Carefully pour half the mixture into a blender and purée until smooth (remember the soup is hot, so be careful). Stir the puréed mixture back into the pot with the remaining soup. Taste the soup and add more salt, if desired. Ladle into bowls, garnish with a few chile flakes and grilled corn kernels and serve hot.