Sun-Dried Tomato and Corn Chowder

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small sweet onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (drained if they are in oil), plus more for topping
2 cups corn kernels, cut fresh from the cob, plus extra for topping
1 1/2 cups chopped Yukon gold potatoes
4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
1 1/2 cups half and half
1 1/2 tablespoons flour
1/4 cup fresh chopped chives
 
Goat cheese croutons:
1 11-ounce log goat cheese (cold, right from the fridge)
1/4 cup flour
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
olive oil, for pan frying
 
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat.  Stir in the onions and garlic with a pinch of salt and pepper and smoked paprika and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes.  Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes.
 
Stir in the corn, potatoes, and stock.  Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce it to a simmer and cover, cooking until the potatoes are fork tender, about 15 minutes.
 
While the soup simmers, make the goat cheese croutons.  Slice the goat cheese into rounds, around 6 or so.  Place the flour on one plate, the beaten egg on another, and the breadcrumbs on a third.  Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil.  Dip each goat cheese piece in flour, then in egg, then in breadcrumbs.  Place it in the hot oil and cook for about 1 minute per side until it’s golden and crispy.  Remove with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel to remove excess grease.
 
In a bottle, add the flour to the half and half and shake well until it is combined.  Slowly pour it into the soup mixture while stirring.  Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes – it should thicken up.  Taste and season additionally if needed. Stir in most of the chives, reserving a few for topping.  Serve, topping the bowl with extra sun dried tomatoes, fresh corn off the cob, and a goat cheese crouton!
 
Serves 4.
 
From How Sweet Eats blog