Add 1 thinly sliced onion and three thinly sliced bell peppers and saute until softened but not limp, 4 to 5 minutes.Add 2 cups corn kernels, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves, 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Continue cooking until the corn is crisp but no longer starchy, 2 to 3 minutes. If at any point the butter starts to brown or get smoky, reduce the heat to medium.