Ingredients

For the Seafood:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (reserve 6 whole for garnish)

• 8 oz lump crab meat, divided

• 8 oz cooked lobster meat, chopped (or 2 small lobster tails)

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Bisque Base:

• 8-10 green onions, sliced (white and light green parts only)

• ¾ cup carrots, diced

• ¾ cup celery, diced

• 6 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• 4 cups seafood or chicken broth

• 2 bay leaves

For Seasoning:

• 1½ teaspoons Old Bay seasoning

• 1½ teaspoons smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

To Finish:

• 2 cups heavy cream

• Fresh chives or parsley for garnish

Instructions

Preparing the Seafood:

1. In a large Dutch oven, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat.

2. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then sauté for 3-4 minutes until opaque.

3. Remove shrimp, reserving 6 for garnish, and set aside with lobster and half the crab meat.

Building the Flavor Base:

1. In the same pot, melt remaining 3 tablespoons butter.

2. Add green onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing for 5-6 minutes until softened.

3. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Add tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until caramelized.

5. Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stirring constantly for 2 minutes to create a roux.

Creating the Bisque:

1. Slowly whisk in seafood broth to prevent lumps.

2. Add bay leaves, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, thyme, and cayenne.

3. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 minutes, whisking occasionally.

4. Remove bay leaves and add the cooked shrimp (except garnish).

5. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth.

Finishing the Bisque:

1. Return to medium-low heat and stir in heavy cream.

2. Add remaining crab meat, lobster meat, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce.

3. Simmer gently for 5 minutes without boiling.

4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.