Shrimp and Roasted Corn Chowder

Ingredients

• 4 ears corn, kernels cut from the cobs with the cobs reserved
• 1/2 pound shrimp peeled and deviend with the shells reserved
• 4 cups chicken broth or chicken stock or shrimp stock
• 4 slices smoked bacon, cut into one inch pieces
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1/2 red pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 teaspoon thyme, chopped
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1/4 cup flour (or rice flour for gluten-free)
• 1 large stewing potato, cut into bite sized pieces
• 1/2 cup cream
• salt (or fish sauce), pepper and cayenne (or sriracha) to taste

Directions

1. Bring the broth, corn cobs and shrimp shells to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the liquid becomes a little cloudy, about 20-30 minutes, strain and discard the solids and set the broth aside. (This step is optional but adds a ton of flavour to the chowder.)
2. Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large heavy bottom sauce pan over medium heat and set aside on paper towels to drain.
3. Raise the heat to medium-high, add the corn and let it sit in place until it chars a bit, about 8 minutes, mix it, repeat and set aside.
4. Reduce the heat back down to medium, add the onion, celery and pepper and saute until tender, about 7-10 minutes.
5. Add the garlic, thyme and paprika and saute until fragrant, about a minute.
6. Sprinkle on the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes.
7. Add the broth, corn, and potato and simmer until the potato is tender, about 10-15 minutes.
8. Add the cream and shrimp and simmer until the shrimp is cooked, about 2-3 minutes.
9. Season to taste and serve garnished with the reserved bacon.

 

*Courtesy of Closet Cooking