CHILLED CORN-MELON SOUP WITH CRAB

Steps:

• Soup: Remove corn kernels from the cob by placing corn upright in a large, deep mixing bowl. Run a knife from top to bottom, all the way around, allowing the kernels to fall into the bowl. Repeat with remaining corn. (Note: Corn cobs may be discarded, or saved for another use such as corn stock.) Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shallots and a pinch of salt. Cook shallots until lightly caramelized, stirring occasionally, 2 minutes. Stir in corn and another pinch of salt; cook another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
• Place melon on a flat work surface. Slice off top and bottom, and place upright. Remove rind by cutting along the edge of the melon from top to bottom; repeat all the way around until the rind is completely removed. Cut the melon in half, discard the seeds, then roughly chop; set aside 1 cup for garnish and place the rest in a large bowl.Cut away and discard tomato stems; chop tomatoes and add to the melon. Slice off the top and bottom of the pepper and discard the stem. Slice the pepper from top to bottom to open it up. Then "unroll" the pepper on the cutting surface; cut away the central core of seeds and discard. Chop the pepper and add to the melon and tomato; repeat with second pepper. Add 2 large pinches of salt and toss well. Stir in the corn mixture and refrigerate, 2 hours.
• Place chilled corn mixture into a blender. Cover and purée on high speed until smooth and frothy, about 30 seconds. Taste for seasoning, and add more salt as necessary. (Note: You'll need to do this in 2 batches.) Set soup aside while making the garnish.
• Garnish: Preheat broiler. Place corn on a rack fitted over a rimmed baking sheet. Rub with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt. Place sheet 6 inches under the heat source and broil 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally to lightly char all sides. Meanwhile, in a bowl, add crab meat, cherry tomatoes, gooseberries (optional), reserved cantaloupe, lime zest and juice, and remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. (Note: Garnish in the video is for 1 serving; the written recipe is for 6 servings.) Mix gently to combine, keeping crab pieces whole. Chiffonade the basil: Roll leaves together like a cigar, then slice into thin strips. Add to the garnish. Remove corn from the oven; when cool enough to handle, cut off kernels as in Step 1. Add corn to the garnish and toss.
• Assembly: Divide garnish into 6 bowls. Slowly pour soup over half of the garnish for a dramatic presentation. Serve cold or at room temperature.