Corn And Red Bell Pepper Soups With Cilantro Creme Fraiche Recipes

CREAM OF ROASTED RED BELL PEPPER SOUP WITH ROASTED SWEET CORN AND CILANTRO- LIME SOUR CREAM

Steps:

• Slice the peppers in half lengthwise; remove stem, seeds and membrane. Place under the broiler skin side up until the skin turns black and blisters. Remove and immediately place in a small paper bag or plastic container with a tight lid. Place in the freezer for 10 minutes; this will loosen the roasted skin. Remove peppers and rub off the black skin with your fingers. Chop skinned peppers and set aside.
• Saute the butter, onions, and garlic until soft in a heavy bottomed soup pot on medium-low heat. Add the reserved red peppers, tomato paste, and chicken stock. Bring to a low boil, reduce the heat, and then simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cornstarch mixed with a little cold water to thicken. Simmer 5 minutes. *Let the soup cool slightly, and then blend in batches in a blender, or use an immersion blender to puree. Sprinkle the roasted corn over the soup before serving and top with a dollop of Cilantro Lime Sour Cream.
• In a mixing bowl, whisk all ingredients vigorously until light and creamy.

ODEON'S ROAST RED PEPPER, TOMATO AND CORN SOUP

Steps:

• Char the red pepper and poblano chili over a gas flame. Peel, seed and chop without rinsing.
• Peel the tomatoes by dropping them in boiling water for 30 seconds. Drain and remove the skins. Chop the tomatoes, reserving the seeds and juice.
• Blanche the corn for three mintues and when it has cooled, cut off the kernels with a bread knife. Reserve the kernels and the cobs.
• Saute the onions, garlic and leek in the olive oil until soft but not browned (about five minutes). Add the remaining ingredients (including the cobs) except for the corn kernels, pepper and Tobasco. Simmer for one hour.
• Remove and discard corn cobs and thyme. Blend the remaining ingredients until smooth in a food processor. Bring to simmer and season. If necessary, thin the soup with a little milk. Chill if serving cold.

CREAMY CORN SOUP WITH RED BELL PEPPER

Steps:

• Melt butter in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add bell pepper, onion and garlic; sauté until onion is tender, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes with juices to pot; cook 2 minutes. Combine 2 cups water and chipotle chilies in blender and puree. Mix puree and cream-style corn into vegetables in pot. Bring soup to boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add frozen corn, cream and oregano; simmer 5 minutes. Garnish with cilantro, if desired.
• *Chipotle chilies canned in a spicy tomato sauce, sometimes called adobo, are available at Latin American markets, specialty foods stores and some supermarkets.

CORN SOUP WITH RED PEPPER SWIRL

Steps:

• Place bell pepper over an open flame or under broiler and roast, turning frequently with tongs, until blackened and blistered all over, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. Cut in half vertically. With a paring knife, remove seeds from each half, then turn over and scrape away the blackened skin. Do not rinse; a little remaining char is fine.
• Transfer roasted pepper to a blender or food processor and add Fresno chiles, pimentón, olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Blend to a smooth thick purée. Set aside.
• Meanwhile, melt butter in a heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium-high heat. Add onions and corn kernels. Season well with salt and pepper and reduce heat to medium. Cooking, stirring, until onions are softened and beginning to color, 7 to 8 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
• Add 3 cups water or broth and salt to taste. Simmer for 15 minutes, until corn is well cooked. Transfer to a blender and whiz to a smooth purée. Thin with water or broth to the consistency of heavy cream.
• Pass soup through a fine mesh strainer, pressing with the back of a large spoon or ladle to extract every drop of liquid. (This step is important to guarantee a velvety texture.) Discard any fibrous remains. Taste and adjust seasoning.
• To serve, reheat and ladle into shallow soup bowls. Swirl about 2 tablespoons pepper purée into the center of each bowl. Pass lime wedges at the table.