Mexican Street Corn Chowder

Name: Mexican Street Corn Chowder
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 3 h 30 min
Total time: 4 h 5 min
Yield: 8 servings (2 quarts).
Ingredients: 10 ears fresh corn (about 5-1/2 cups); 1-1/4 to 2 cups water; 6 bacon strips, chopped; 2 small onions, chopped; 2 small green peppers, chopped; 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped; 1 teaspoon ground chipotle pepper; 2 teaspoons salt; 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1 medium lime, zested and juiced; Optional toppings: Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, sliced jalapeno, chopped bell pepper and crumbled cotija cheese

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 35 min. Cook: 3-1/2 hours YIELD: 8 servings (2 quarts).

Corn is one of my all-time favorite vegetables, so when it's in season, I always make this super easy soup in the slow cooker. —Rashanda Cobbins, Food Editor, Taste of Home

Ingredients

10 ears fresh corn (about 5-1/2 cups)
1-1/4 to 2 cups water
6 bacon strips, chopped
2 small onions, chopped
2 small green peppers, chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
1 teaspoon ground chipotle pepper
2 teaspoons salt
3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 medium lime, zested and juiced
Optional toppings: Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, sliced jalapeno, chopped bell pepper and crumbled cotija cheese

Directions

1. Cut corn off cobs. Rub the edge of a knife over each cob to "milk" it; add enough water to cob juice to equal 2 cups. Add corn and liquid to a 5-qt. slow cooker.
2. In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, 5-7 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Discard drippings, reserving 2 Tbsp. in pan. Add the onions, green peppers and jalapeno to skillet; cook and stir over medium-high heat until soft, 3-4 minutes. Add seasonings and cook 1 minute longer; transfer to slow cooker. Cook on low 3-1/2 to 4 hours or until corn is tender and mixture has thickened slightly.
3. Stir in cream, lime zest and lime juice. If desired, puree mixture with an immersion blender to desired consistency. Garnish with reserved bacon. Sprinkle with optional toppings as desired.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 287 calories, 18g fat (9g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 743mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 8g protein.