Creamy Corn Chowder with Pancetta and Chives

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 medium cloves garlic, minced, divided
• 2 ounces finely chopped pancetta
• 2 russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken stock or store-bought low-sodium broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 4 ears of corn, shucked, kernels cut off cobs with a sharp knife
• 1 Parmesan rind, optional
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups cubed rustic bread
• 2 tablespoons minced chives

Directions

1. Set an oven rack in the lower-middle position, then heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Warm 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the onion and half the garlic, and cook, stirring now and then, until they begin to soften, about 3 minutes. Stir in the pancetta and keep cooking until it takes on a little color, 5 to 7 minutes longer.
2. Add the potatoes and flour, stirring until everything is well coated. Pour in the stock, cream, and milk. Turn the heat up to medium-high, bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook until the potatoes are softening and the liquid begins to thicken, about 7 minutes.
3. Stir in the corn, Parmesan rind, if using, thyme, and bay leaves. Lower the heat to medium. Add salt and pepper, then continue to cook until the corn is tender while still staying juicy, about 10 minutes longer.
4. As the soup simmers, mix the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil with the remaining garlic, pressing the garlic into the oil with the back of a spoon or the tines of a fork. Toss the bread with the garlic oil, then season with salt and pepper. Spread the croutons in one even layer on a baking sheet and bake, tossing once partway through, until crisp and lightly browned, about 8 minutes.
5. Remove and discard the Parmesan rind, the thyme’s woody stems, and the bay leaves. Spoon the chowder into bowls, top with the croutons and chopped chives, and serve right away.