Chilled Corn Soup

INGREDIENTSSoup

• 1/2 cup (125mL) unsalted butter
• 5 cobs of fresh corn
• 1/2 white onion, peeled and diced
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 rib celery, diced
• 1 sprig thyme

Garnish

• 1 small bunch basil
• 6 scallions (just the green parts)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
• 4 small heirloom or kumato tomatoes
• Splash of olive oil
• Splash of sherry or red vinegar
• Salt and Pepper to taste

METHODMakes
4-6 Servings

For Soup:

1. Bring butter to a boil in a large pan on high heat. Immediately reduce heat to low and simmer, whisking regularly, until butter browns (about 15 minutes).
2. Transfer to a bowl to cool. This should produce about 1/3 cup (80mL).
3. Slice kernels from corn. Snap cobs in half and place in pot with at least 8 cups (2L) water to cover. Boil for 15 minutes, strain and discard solids.
4. In a large pot on medium heat, sweat the onion, garlic and celery 1/4 cup (60mL) brown butter, stirring, until softened, about 10 minutes. Add the corn kernels, 4 cups (1L) corn stock and thyme. Simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Cool for 5 minutes before transferring to blender and pureeing.
6. Season to taste, adjusting texture with additional butter or stock.
7. Pass through fine mesh strainer. Refrigerate.

For Garnish:

1. Prepare a pot of salted, boiling water and a bowl of ice water.
2. Blanche and shock the basil and 4 of the scallions by boiling for 5 seconds and transferring to ice water.
3. When cool, squeeze dry and use paper towel to tamp off excess water.
4. Purée in blender with vegetable oil. Pass through fine mesh strainer.
5. Slice tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.
6. Slice remaining scallions.
7. In mixing bowl, toss tomatoes with scallions, vinegar and olive oil.
8. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Serve chilled soup in bowls garnished with tomatoes and drizzle of basil oil.