Sweet Potato and Corn Chowder

Ingredients
2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
4 Slices thick-cut bacon, cut into a small dice
2 cups peeled and diced sweet potato
2 medium shallots, sliced
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 small red bell pepper, diced
3 sprigs fresh thyme
1 sprig fresh sage
1 bay leaf
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tsp. yellow curry powder
1 15 oz. can corn, drained
2 cups chicken stock
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp. sherry vinegar
1/4 cup minced chives

Instructions
In a stockpot or dutch oven, over medium heat, melt the butter, Add the bacon and cook until crispy and most of the fat is rendered, about 8 minutes. Set the bacon aside for later use, leaving the fat in the pot.

In the same pot, over medium heat, saute the sweet potato, shallots, garlic, and bell pepper, stirring frequently, until the shallots are tend and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the thyme, sage, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper. Add the flour and curry to the vegetables and stire until incorporated. Cook for another 2 minutes.

Add the corn, chicken stock, heavy cream, and sherry vinegar. Bring to a simmer and cook, covered, until the sweet potato is tender, another 20 to 25 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Plate into individual bows and garnish with the crispy bacon and chives.

via Food Network Kitchen