Appetizer: United States – Chilled Corn and Buttermilk Soup with Chive-Lemon Oil

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 20 min

Additional 2 hrs

Total 2 hrs 35 min

Ingredients

4 ears sweet corn, kernels cut off (cobs reserved)
1 tbsp (15 ml) unsalted butter
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
1 small shallot, thinly sliced
1 celery rib, thinly sliced
1 small Yukon gold potato, peeled and diced
3 cups (720 ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock
1 cup (240 ml) cold buttermilk
1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
1 / 4 tsp Old Bay seasoning, plus a pinch for finishing
3 / 4 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
1 / 8 tsp white pepper (or black pepper)
Chive-Lemon Oil:
1 / 3 cup (80 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1 / 4 cup (15 g) fresh chives, chopped
1 / 2 tsp finely grated lemon zest
Pinch of kosher salt
Optional garnish: extra chives, oyster crackers, lemon wedges

Instructions

Cut the corn kernels from the cobs and scrape the cobs with the back of a knife to catch the corn “milk.” Break cobs in half and reserve.
In a pot over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Add shallot and celery; cook 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in potato and corn kernels; cook 2 minutes.
Add the stock and the reserved corn cobs. Bring to a simmer and cook 15–20 minutes, until the potato is tender. Remove and discard the cobs.
Blend the soup until very smooth (in batches if needed). For extra silkiness, pass through a fine strainer. Stir in 3/4 teaspoon salt and the white pepper. Chill until thoroughly cold, at least 2 hours.
Make the chive-lemon oil: Blend the olive oil, chives, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt until vibrant green. Let sit 10 minutes, then strain (optional) for a clear oil.
Whisk the cold buttermilk and lemon juice into the chilled soup. Season to taste with more salt and a small pinch of Old Bay for a subtle echo of the crabs’ seasoning.
Serve cold in chilled bowls. Drizzle with chive-lemon oil, finish with a light dusting of Old Bay, and garnish with chopped chives or a few oyster crackers and a lemon wedge.