Roasted Sweet Potato Corn Chowder

mewack's Note:

This recipe was originally found on allrecipes.com. It is the perfect fall meal.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 45 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

• 2 sweet potatoes , peeled and cubed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• salt and pepper , to taste
• 1 (12 ounce) package frozen corn kernels , thawed
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 ½ cups celery , finely diced
• 1 cup red onion , diced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley , chopped

Directions:

1. Preheat an oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
2. Place the sweet potatoes into a 9×13 inch baking dish, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of oil, and season with salt and pepper.
3. Stir to coat the sweet potatoes in oil.
4. Roast in the preheated oven until the sweet potatoes are golden and tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally as they cook so the sweet potatoes cook evenly.
5. Meanwhile, measure out 1 cup of corn kernels and set aside.
6. Place the remaining corn into a blender, and puree with the water until smooth; set aside.
7. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
8. Stir in the celery and onion. Cook and stir until the onion has softened, about 5 minutes.
9. Stir in the tomato paste and dried thyme leaves; cook 1 minute more.
10. Pour in the vegetable broth, corn puree, bay leaf and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer 10-15 minutes.
11. Remove and discard the bay leaf.
12. Stir in the whole corn kernels, sweet potato, and chopped parsley.
13. Return to a simmer and season to taste with salt and pepper before serving.