Poblano Chili Soup with Chicken and Onion

Ingredients

 * 1) 3 medium poblano chiles, or 2 green bell peppers and 1 jalapeño, or 2 long hot green chiles
 * 2) 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
 * 3) 1 small onion, finely minced
 * 4) 1 garlic clove, minced
 * 5) 4 tablespoons flour
 * 6) 3 cups chicken broth
 * 7) 1 cup diced cooked chicken white meat
 * 8) 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
 * 9) 2/3 cup half-and-half
 * 10) Salt and black pepper to taste
 * 11) Chopped fresh cilantro (coriander) or parsley (garnish)

Directions
To peel either poblano chiles or green bell peppers, hold over flame of the burner with a long wood-handled fork or grill under the broiler, turning frequently until the skin in brown and blistered. Immediately wrap in foil or place in paper bag. Close tightly and let steam for 5 to 10 minutes. Skin will loosen and can be easily rubbed or stripped off. Discard seeds and white ribs. Puree peeled, roasted peppers with unpeeled hot green chile peppers in a blender of food processor, adding a little broth if needed. (If you have a hand blender, just cut up peppers, add then to soup, and puree.)

Melt butter in a 2-quart saucepan and sauté onion and garlic until wilted but not taking on color, about 5 minutes. Blend in flour with a whisk over low heat, then add pureed chilies and soup. Simmer, partly covered, for about 5 minutes.

Add chicken, corn, and half-and-half to hot soup. Cook 10 minutes or until corn is plump and tender. Adjust seasonings and serve immediately in warm cups or small bowls.

Yields 4 to 6 servings.