Curried Corn and Pepper Chowder


2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
1/4 cup minced shallots
2 teaspoons curry powder, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups fresh corn or one 16-ounce bag frozen corn, thawed (about 3 cups)
1 cup vegetable stock
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, or to taste
3 cups plain soymilk, divided
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Heat the oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the bell peppers; cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 4 minutes. Add the shallots during the last minute; stir until tender but not browned. Add the curry powder and salt; stir for 1 minute.

Stir in the corn, vegetable stock, and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to medium; cover and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.

Transfer 2 cups of the corn mixture to a blender or food processor. Add 1 cup of the soymilk. Process until the mixture is nearly smooth. Pour the puréed mixture into the saucepan; stir in the remaining soymilk. Stir gently over medium heat until the mixture is heated through, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle each serving with 2 tablespoons cheese.

Calories 326 (47% from fat); Fat 17g (sat 3.9g, mono 5g, poly 7g); Protein 14.9g; Carbohydrate 35.7g; Fiber 6g; Cholesterol 16mg; Iron 1.4mg; Sodium 594mg; Calcium 60mg