Roasted Corn and Poblano Chowder

Adjust oven rack 6 inches from broiler and preheat broiler. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Toss the poblanos with 1 teaspoon of the vegetable oil in a medium bowl. Arrange cut-side-down in a single column against a short side of the baking sheet.

Toss the corn, remaining 2 teaspoons of the vegetable oil, ½ teaspoon of the salt and ½ teaspoon of the pepper in the bowl. Spread into an even layer over the rest of the baking sheet. Broil until the poblanos are mostly blackened and the corn is well-browned and tender, 10 to 15 minutes, flipping the poblanos and stirring the corn halfway through broiling.

Place the poblanos in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let sit for 5 minutes. Remove the skins and finely chop the poblanos; set aside.

Cook the bacon in a large Dutch oven over medium heat until crispy, 5 to 7 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Add the onion and ¼ teaspoon of salt to the bacon drippings and cook until the onion is softened and beginning to brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Add the chicken broth, potatoes, roasted corn and ½ teaspoon of salt to the Dutch oven and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom. Cook at a steady simmer until the potatoes are tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the half-and-half.

Transfer 2 cups of the chowder to a blender. Add the tortilla pieces and process until smooth, about 1 minute. Return the pureed chowder to the pot and stir in the chopped poblanos. Return to medium heat and bring to a simmer. Stir in the minced cilantro, lime juice, and the remaining ¾ teaspoon salt and ¾ teaspoon pepper. Serve and garnish with the bacon and crumbled queso fresco.