Corn Zucchini Chowder (Print Version)

Ingredients:

01 - 4 strips bacon, chopped.
02 - 1/2 large yellow onion, diced.
03 - 2 ribs celery, finely diced.
04 - 5 ears corn, cut off the cob.
05 - 4 cloves garlic, minced.
06 - 5 cups chicken broth.
07 - 2 russet potatoes, cubed.
08 - 1 1/4 tsp kosher salt.
09 - 1/2 tsp black pepper.
10 - 1/2 tsp paprika.
11 - 1/2 tsp dried parsley.
12 - 1/4 tsp thyme.
13 - 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper.
14 - 1 large zucchini, sliced.
15 - 1 large yellow squash, sliced.
16 - 2 cups half and half or whole milk.

Instructions:

01 - In a large pot, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
02 - Add diced onions and celery to the pot and sauté in the bacon fat until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
03 - Stir in the corn kernels and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
04 - Add the chicken broth, cubed potatoes, kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, parsley, thyme, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
05 - Stir in the sliced zucchini and yellow squash and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the squash is tender.
06 - Remove 2 cups of the chowder and puree it in a blender, then return the pureed chowder to the pot.
07 - Stir in the half and half or whole milk and cook for another 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
08 - Serve the chowder warm, topped with the crispy bacon.

Notes:

01 - Pureeing part of the soup creates a thick and creamy texture while still retaining chunks of vegetables.
02 - For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.