Corn and Tomato Bisque

Ingredients

• 1 large jalapeño
• 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 Vidalia onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
• 3 cups frozen corn kernels or 1 pound fresh corn kernels
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• 4 cups chicken stock or canned low-sodium broth
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 2 tablespoons crème fraîche
• 8 frozen plum tomato halves, coarsely chopped, or 4 fresh plum tomatoes--peeled, halved lengthwise, seeded and coarsely chopped
• 1 scallion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro, plus more for garnish

Preparation

1. 1. Roast the jalapeño on a skewer directly over a gas flame or in a pan under the broiler, turning, until charred all over. Transfer the jalapeño to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let steam for 10 minutes. Peel, core, seed and finely chop the jalapeño. In a small bowl, combine the jalapeño with the vinegar and sugar and stir until the sugar dissolves.
2. 2. Melt the butter in a large, heavy saucepan. Add the onion and cook over moderately high heat, stirring, until lightly browned, 6 to 7 minutes. Add the corn and garlic and cook, stirring, until the corn is lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the stock and simmer until the corn is tender, about 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
3. 3. Using a slotted spoon, transfer 1 1/2 cups of the corn to a blender, add the crème fraîche and 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid and puree until smooth, about 2 minutes. Return the puree to the soup.
4. 4. Add the tomatoes, scallion and 1 tablespoon of cilantro to the soup and cook until heated through. Ladle the soup into 4 shallow bowls, garnish with cilantro, the jalapeño and a drizzle of the chile vinegar. Serve hot.
5. Make Ahead: The soup can be prepared through Step 3 and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Reheat before proceeding.
6. Wine Recommendation: Sweet, succulent corn has a particular affinity for a creamy-textured Chardonnay. Pick a lighter example, such as the 1998 Argyle Willamette Valley from Oregon or the 1998 Waterbrook from Washington State.