Gluten Free Corn Chowder

Name: Gluten Free Corn Chowder
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons vegan butter divided; 1 large yellow onion ((finely diced)); 1 bay leaf; 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 inch large leek ((the white part plus anof the green sliced into thin rounds)); 1 pound medium yellow potatoes ((peeled and diced, about 3)); 1 quart vegetable stock; 4 cups corn kernels; 1 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 branches basil ((plucked and stems reserved, about 8 leaves)); 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper; 1 large yellow bell pepper (diced); 1 cup unsweetened soy milk