Zucchini Corn Chowder

INGREDIENTS:

1 Tbsp. butter
2 strips bacon, chopped
1 cup chopped yellow onion, about 1/2 large onion
2 celery ribs, chopped (1/3 cup)
1 medium carrot, peeled + chopped (1/2 cup)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
2 medium (1 lb.) russet potatoes, peeled, diced into 1/2-inch cubes
4 cups water (or veggie stock)
1 bay leaf
4 ears of sweet fresh corn, husk + silk removed and kernels cut from cob (2 3/4 cup corn)
1 medium zucchini, diced into 1/2-inch cubes, (1 1/2 cups)
1 cup half and half
Salt and fresh ground black pepper
Chopped fresh parsley, to garnish
Cayenne pepper, to serve, optional

INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Melt butter over medium heat in a dutch oven. Add bacon and cook until bacon renders its fat and begins to brown, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 2: Add onions, celery, carrots, garlic, and thyme; cook until vegetables begin to soften, stirring couple times, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Add potatoes, water, and bay leaf. Raise the heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer, then lower the heat back to medium and simmer for 8-10 minutes or until the potatoes are halfway cooked.
Step 4: Add zucchini and corn; season with salt and pepper, to taste, and simmer for an additional 8-12 minutes or until the vegetables are completely tender.
Step 5: Discard the bay leaf. Transfer 2 cups of chowder to a food processor or blender; purée until smooth. Stir the mixture back into the pot. Add half and half and cook just until heated through.

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