Cheddar Corn Chowder

This is from The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook and has become one of our favorite soups. It is WONDERFUL with fresh corn but good with frozen as well. Very easy and well received.

• Ready In: 1 hr 1 min
• Serves: 10-12

Ingredients

• 8  ounces bacon, chopped
• 1⁄4 cup olive oil
• 6  cups  chopped yellow onions (4 large onions)
• 4  tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1⁄2 cup flour
• 2  teaspoons kosher salt
• 1  teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 12  cups  chicken stock
• 6  cups  medium-diced white boiling potatoes, unpeeled (2 pounds)
• 10  cups corn kernels (fresh 10 ears or frozen 3 pounds)
• 2  cups half-and-half
• 8  ounces sharp white cheddar cheese, grated

Directions

1. In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, cook the bacon and olive oil until the bacon is crisp, about 5 minutes.
2. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and reserve.
3. Reduce the heat to medium, add the onions and butter to the fat, and cook for 10 minutes, until the onions are translucent.
4. Stir in the flour, salt, pepper, and turmeric and cook for 3 minutes.
5. Add the chicken stock and potatoes, bring to a boil, and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
6. If using fresh corn, cut the kernels off the cob and blanch them for 3 minutes in boiling salted water.
7. Drain.
8. (If using frozen corn you can skip this step.) Add the corn to the soup, then add the half-and-half and cheddar.
9. Cook for 5 more minutes, until the cheese is melted.
10. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.
11. Serve hot with a garnish of bacon.