Seafood Bisque with Crab, Shrimp & Lobster

IngredientsSeafood½ lb shrimp, peeled & deveined, chopped or whole½ lb lump crab meat½ lb cooked lobster meat, choppedBase3 tbsp butter1 small onion, diced2 cloves garlic, minced1 celery stalk, diced (optional but recommended)1 small carrot, diced (optional; adds sweetness)3 tbsp all-purpose flour2 tbsp tomato paste1 tsp Old Bay seasoning½ tsp paprika¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)Liquids3 cups seafood stock (or chicken stock)1 cup heavy cream½ cup white wine (optional but adds depth)FinishSalt & black pepper, to taste2 tbsp fresh parsley, choppedA splash of lemon juice (optional but excellent)🧑‍🍳 Instructions1. Sauté the AromaticsIn a large pot:Melt butter over medium heat.Add onion, celery, and carrot (if using).Cook 5–7 minutes until softened.Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.2. Create the RouxStir in flour and cook 1–2 minutes (it should look pasty).Add tomato paste, paprika, Old Bay, and cayenne.Stir until everything is combined and fragrant.3. Add LiquidsSlowly pour in:white wine (optional) — stir and let simmer 2 minutesseafood stockStir continuously so no lumps remain.Simmer 10 minutes until slightly thickened.4. Blend for Classic Bisque TextureOptional but highly recommended:Use an immersion blender (or blend half the soup and return it).This gives the bisque its traditional silky finish.5. Add Cream & SeafoodReduce heat to low and stir in:heavy creamshrimp, cook 3 minuteslobster + crab, warm through 2–3 minutes(They’re already cooked, so don’t overcook.)6. Season & ServeTaste and adjust:saltpepperlemon juiceextra Old BayTop with fresh parsley and a drizzle of cream.Serve with:crusty breadgarlic toastoyster crackers🌟 Tips for Perfect BisqueAdd the seafood at the end so it stays tender.Seafood stock gives the best flavor, but chicken stock works too.For extra richness, add 1 tbsp butter right before serving.Don’t boil after adding cream — keep heat low.🍽️ VariationsCreamier BisqueAdd 2 oz cream cheese or ¼ cup additional heavy cream.Spicy Cajun BisqueAdd 1–2 tsp Cajun seasoning + extra cayenne.Extra SeafoodAdd scallops or clams.No Wine VersionSkip wine and add ½ tbsp lemon juice at the end.