Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Place corn directly on grill, and using tongs, rotate every 30 seconds to 1 minute until all sides have an even number of charred kernels, about 5 minutes. Cool slightly, cut kernels off cob and set aside.
In a large heavy-bottomed soup pot, heat 2 Tbsp (30 mL) canola oil over medium- high heat. Add onion, carrot and celery, and sauté, until slightly soft, 3 to 4 minutes. Add red pepper, jalapeño, garlic, salt and pepper, and sauté, for another 2 to 3 minutes.
Add potato, broth, 2 1/2 cups of milk and reserved corn. Bring to a simmer and heat for about 10 minutes until potatoes are just cooked through.
In a small dish, whisk remaining 1/2 cup of milk with the flour. Pour into soup pot and simmer until soup has thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and serve. Garnish with grated cheese, optional.
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