Seafood Bisque with Scallops Cod My Creamy Coastal Delight

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil (30 ml)
• 1 large onion, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 2 carrots, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 2 celery stalks, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste (15 ml)
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (2.5 ml)
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (1.25 ml) (optional, for a little kick!)
• 1/2 cup dry sherry (120 ml)
• 6 cups fish stock (1.4 liters), good quality, low sodium
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme (2.5 ml)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (120 ml)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 lb cod fillets (450g), skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 lb large shrimp (225g), peeled and deveined
• 1/2 lb sea scallops (225g), patted dry
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• A drizzle of olive oil (optional)
• Crusty bread for serving (essential)