Lunch: Corn Bisque with Red Bell Pepper and Rosemary

This simple and delicious starter gets a hint of spiciness from cayenne pepper.

Ingredients

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter
2 cups chopped onions
1/2 cup diced carrot
1/2 cup diced celery
7 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels, thawed, drained (about 42 ounces)
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
6 cups chicken stock or canned low-salt chicken broth
1 cup half and half
1 red bell pepper, chopped

Instructions

Melt 3 tablespoons butter in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add onions, carrot and celery and sauté 3 minutes. Add 5 1/2 cups corn, rosemary and cayenne and sauté 2 minutes. Add stock and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered until vegetables are tender and liquid is slightly reduced, about 30 minutes.
Working in batches, purée soup in blender. Return soup to pot. Mix in half and half and remaining 2 cups corn. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add bell pepper and sauté until almost tender, about 5 minutes. Stir bell pepper into soup. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
Bring soup to simmer. Ladle into bowls and serve.

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