Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 large leek, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp cracked black pepper
- 4 cups fresh sweet corn kernels
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions:
- Cut the kernels from the corn cobs, setting the bare cobs aside to infuse the broth. Finely slice the leeks and mince the garlic.
- Melt the butter over medium heat in a large pot. Add the sliced leeks and sauté until translucent and soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the corn kernels to the pot and sauté for 3-5 minutes until bright and slightly toasted. Pour in the vegetable broth and add the bare corn cobs and bay leaf.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes.
- Remove and discard the corn cobs and bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to pulse the soup 3-4 times until a velvety base is created but whole kernels remain visible.
- Stir in the lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Garnish with chopped chives and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before serving.