adapted from The California Cook by Diane Rossen Worthington
2 TB. olive oil
4 medium leeks, white part (cleaned & finely chopped)
1 carrot, peeled and finely chopped
1 celery rib, finely chopped
6 large tomatoes, coarsely chopped
3 TB. all purpose flour
3 1/2 cups corn kernels (7 medium ears)
2 garlic cloves, minced
6 dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes
8 fresh basil leaves
2 TB. tomato paste
6 cups chicken stock
1 teas. salt
1/4 teas. pepper
Relish:
1/2 cup reserved diced tomato
1/2 cup reserved corn kernels
1 TB. finely chopped fresh basil
1/8 teas. salt, pinch of pepper
In a large soup pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the leeks, carrot, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes or until softened. Reserve 1/2 cup of the tomatoes for the relish, add the remaining tomatoes, and cook for 3 minutes or until slightly softened. Add the flour and stir with a wooden spoon, making sure the flour is dissolved. Continue cooking for 2 minutes.
Reserve 1/2 cup of the corn kernels for the relish and add the remaining corn kernels, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, tomato paste, and stock and bring to a simmer. Simmer, partially covered, for about 25 minutes. Puree the soup in the pot using a hand blender or in a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Pour the soup through a strainer into a large container. Add the seasoning. Bring to room temperature and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
For the relish, finely chop the reserved tomato and place in a small mixing bowl. Add the reserved corn kernels, basil, salt and pepper. Taste for seasoning.