Shrimp-Pepper Chowder

1 tablespoon butter
1 medium onion, chopped
1 pasilla chile or 1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 to 2 tablespoons minced jalapeno pepper
1 quart low-fat milk
3 cups 1/2-inch cubes hearty-textured bread
1 (15 1/4 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1/2 pound (50 to 60) small shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Melt butter in large saucepan over medium heat; add onion, pasilla and jalapeno. Saute, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Stir in milk; bring to a low boil. Remove from heat.

Place bread cubes in blender along with 2 cups of the milk mixture; puree until smooth. Return puree to remaining milk mixture in saucepan and re-warm over medium-high heat. Stir in corn, shrimp and cilantro. Cook until shrimp are pink and soup is hot, about 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Makes 4 servings of about 1 1/2 cups each.