Roasted Corn & Tomato Bisque

Fresh veggies make this a perfect soup for this time of year (July in Texas) but can also be made with frozen. Central Market - January 1998 provided this to our family - hope your family enjoys.

• Ready In: 3 hrs
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 5  tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1  cup  chopped onion
• 1  teaspoon  chopped garlic
• 1⁄4 cup  chopped green bell pepper
• 1 1⁄2 cups fresh corn kernels (about 3 ears, roasted Note: To roast oven to 450, shuck corn, place in baking pan and cook in hot ov)
• 4  large tomatoes, quartered (Use Romas for thicker soup)
• 4  cups  chicken stock
• 1  tablespoon tomato paste
• 1  teaspoon chili powder
• 3⁄4 teaspoon salt, more to taste
• 1⁄2 cup  grated monterey jack cheese (about 1/3 lb.)
• 1  cup sour cream
• 12  slices bacon, fried crisp and crumbled

Directions

1. Roast corn (or if you are lazy, use frozen and add a little liquid smoke).
2. In a large, heavy pot, melt the butter.
3. Add onions, garlic and green pepper and cook until just softened (3-4 minutes) Add the corn and tomatoes and cook stirring, 3 minutes more.
4. Add the chicken stock and stir in the tomato paste.
5. Add corn cobs to stock.
6. Add the chili powder and salt; stir to incorporate these ingredients into the soup.
7. Bring the soup to a boil and cook at a simmer until all the vegetables are completely tender (1 hour).
8. Remove corn cobs and discard.
9. Puree the soup in a food processor, blender, food mill or Vita-Mix if you are lucky enough to have one.
10. (The soup can be prepared a day in advance. Cool, cover and refrigerate) Return the soup to the pot, and over low heat rewarm.
11. Check seasonings and add more salt, if necessary.
12. Garnish each serving with sour cream, Monterey Jack Cheese and bacon.