Step 1

Combine broth, coconut milk, corn, sweet potato, potato, onion, carrot, scallions, red bell pepper, chile, curry paste, garlic, salt and pepper in a 6- to 7-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook until the potatoes are tender and the corn is cooked through, about 4 hours on High or 8 hours on Low.

Step 2

Remove the corn cobs with tongs; place on a cutting board, and let cool for 10 minutes. Once slightly cool, cut kernels off the cobs. (You will have about 2 cups kernels.) Stir the corn kernels into the soup. (If using frozen corn kernels, skip this step.)

Step 3

Transfer about 3 cups of the soup to a blender. Secure the lid on the blender and remove the center piece to allow steam to escape (use caution when blending hot liquids). Place a clean towel over the opening. Puree until smooth, about 2 minutes. Return the puree to the slow cooker. Stir in half-and-half. Divide the soup among 8 bowls, and garnish with basil, cilantro, scallions and/or lime wedges, if desired.