Makes 4 servings.

Corn Relish:
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 cup fresh corn kernels (or canned)
2 green onions, sliced
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh parsley
salt, to taste

Chowder:
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup yellow onion, chopped
2 cups Yukon Gold potatoes, chopped
2 cups vegetable broth
2 cups fresh corn kernels from 2 ears (or canned)
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
6-7 cranks of freshly ground black pepper
2 cups milk (whole or low-fat)
1/4 cup sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley, plus extra for garnish
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/3 pound of sausage, removed from the casing


To make the relish, heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn kernels and green onions, cooking until slightly browned, about 5 minutes. Turn off heat, and add fresh parsley and salt, to taste. Set aside.

In a deep pot over medium-high heat, melt butter. Saute onions for 5 minutes, or until lightly browned. Add potatoes and broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; add corn kernels, cayenne, salt, and black pepper, and stir well. Cook until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. Add the milk, cheddar cheese, and parsley. Turn off heat and allow chowder to cool for 5-10 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add loose sausage, and cook until browned and crispy, about 7 minutes. Set aside.

Puree soup in two batches until smooth, and return to the pot over medium-low heat. Stir in cooked sausage and warm until thoroughly heated. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.

Garnish eat serving with a spoonful of corn relish and some extra finely chopped parsley.

Note: This soup tastes even better the next day. So it's a good meal to make over the weekend for a quick and easy mid-week dinner.

- Courtesy of Susan Russo

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