DigiBites: Mo Poblanos – Chef Charlie Responds To Reader Requests For More Zing

This recipe is one of my summer favorites. I made a batch for the family last night with fresh white corn I found at Diablo Foods (presented on shaved ice – not usual, but preferred).  Read more about this below.

The last of the fresh summer white corn is available in better markets, but not for long! Suggest trying this soup recipe in the next few weeks using the fresh corn for an unbelievable sweet and smokey flavor.

Remember, for corn, freshness means staying cool, since warmth converts the sugar in the kernels into starch. In the supermarket, corn should be displayed on ice or in a refrigerated bin. At a farmers’ market, it should be kept at least in the shade, and preferably on ice. Shop early in the day for the best selection of locally grown corn. Ideally, it should have been picked the morning you buy it. The corn should not be piled high in the bin, or it will generate its own heat, and hasten the conversion of sugar to starch.

If you miss the fresh corn, frozen is the next best option. The recipe is posted on the Epicurean Exchange Blog. Give it a try, share with others and let me know what you think!

To roast the poblano chiles: To remove the skins from poblano chiles, place them over a gas flame on the stove top or grill

(pictured), or under a broiler, turning frequently until they are completely charred. Place them in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap.  Allow them to steam for 10 – 15 minutes to loosen the skins. Remove the blackened skins with the fingers, and open to remove the seeds, pod and stem.  The flesh can them be chopped to add to the recipe.

Seasoning and Finishing: Remember, cooking is far more than just adding all the ingredients to the pot.  Most home cooks miss the subtle finishings in the form of seasoning and presentation that makes all your efforts worthwhile.  I posted a discussion of SALTS earlier in the year.  This is a time to put your new-found knowledge to the test.  Here’s what you need to do:  (1) Make the soup as described without any salt. (2) Taste the soup after its made; it will be bland and lack richness. (3)  Add a couple of big pinches of kosher salt (you bought this after reading the salt blog).  Stir to combine and let rest for 1 minute.  (4) Taste again. The soup should taste sweeter (corn), spicier (chiles) and richer (fats, butter and milk).  (5) Probably needs another addition or two to meet the mark. Now, doesn’t that make a difference?  Salt has the ability to elevate existing flavors – salt and spice – as well as balance acidity.  Remember this as you approach the finishing of any dish.

Equipment: As a professional chef, I am not a cooking equipment snob, but know what I like.  Over the years I have discovered that I can produce more with less, and have downsized keeping only the most useful tools. I highly value great cookware, knives and small electrics.  You can ask and I will share my recommendations over time.  For this recipe, you need a very good blender.  I suggest the Vitamix. This tool can be costly, but worth the investment. Why? The power of this machine has the ability to pulverize anything that you place in it.  Which means, you don’t have to worry about skins, seeds, (and silk from the corn), as it is all puréed to a smooth, creamy texture.  All of the essential important fiber is maintained, but is not gritty and doesn’t require the soup to be strained.  And, this machine is perfect for making smoothies for nutrient-rich results!

Vitamix machines are available at local kitchenware stores, Amazon, Costco (which has a special sale every year) and at my partner East Bay Restaurant Supply at Jack London Square (mentioned Epicurean Exchange and they may offer a discount). This goes for all purchases at this location.  Happy shopping and cooking!