INGREDIENTS
1 tbsp
butter
1
strip bacon, or 1 teaspoon bacon fat
1/2
large yellow onion, chopped (about 3/4 cup)
1/3 cup
diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup
small diced carrot
1/2
cup small diced celery
4
ears of sweet corn, kernels removed from the cobs (about 3 cups), cobs reserved (see steps for taking corn off the cob)
1
bay leaf
4
1/2 cups milk, whole or low fat
2
medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and large (1-inch) diced (about 3 cups)
3 tsp
Kosher salt
1/2 tsp
freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp
fresh thyme leaves