Ingredients

  • 3 very thin slices prosciutto
  • 3-4 large ears fresh corn
  • 4 Tbs. unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1-1/2 cups)
  • Kosher salt
  • 2 cups lower-salt chicken broth
  • 1-1/2 cups medium-diced peeled red potato (from 2 to 3 medium)
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 Tbs. coarsely chopped fresh basil

Method

  • Position an oven rack about 4 inches below the broiler and heat the broiler on high. Arrange the prosciutto in a single layer on a small baking sheet and broil until it begins to curl, 1 to 2 minutes. Flip the prosciutto and broil until it appears dry-crisp and has curled a bit more, about 1 minute. Let cool, then finely chop or crumble by hand; set aside.
  • Slice the kernels off the corn cobs for a total of 3 cups corn. Reserve the cobs.
  • In a medium Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onion and cook until softened and slightly golden, 5 to 7 minutes. Season with a generous pinch of salt.
  • Add 4 cups of water, the broth, potatoes, 1-1/2 cups of the corn, the cobs, and 2 tsp. salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer until the potatoes are tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and discard the cobs.
  • Working in batches, carefully puree the soup in a blender, transferring each batch to a large heat-proof bowl or large liquid measuring cup.
  • Pour the pureed soup back into the pot. Add the remaining 1-1/2 cups corn and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the corn kernels are tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Garnish each serving with the crisped prosciutto and basil.