Creamy Vegan Corn and Red Pepper Blender Soup (gluten-free, soy-free, nut-free, grain-free, salt-free)

-ounce bag frozen sweet corn, thawed to room temp (or fresh corn if you have it), divided

half of 1 large red bell pepper, deseeded

cup nutritional yeast  (or 1/4 cup raw cashews or Parmesan cheese – not vegan)

heaping tablespoon coconut oil (use another oil like olive or canola if you’re sensitive to coconut flavor)

cumin

smoked paprika

cayenne pepper, or to taste

half of 1 small red onion, peeled; optional

to 2 cloves garlic, peeled; optional

about 1 cup water (or use coconut water, milk, almond/soy/nut milk, cream)

salt and pepper, optional