Seafood Bisque Soup My Creamy Dreamy Family Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) shrimp shells and heads
• 1 pound (450g) crab shells (from cooked crabs), optional
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 2 carrots, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 2 celery stalks, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup (120ml) dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
• 8 cups (1.9L) water
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) black peppercorns
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) dried thyme
• 4 tablespoons (60ml) unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
• 1 leek, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced and well rinsed
• 2 carrots, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
• 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (60ml) tomato paste
• 2 cups (475ml) strained shellfish stock (from above)
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (60ml) dry sherry (optional, but highly recommended)
• 1 pound (450g) cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• 1 pound (450g) cooked crabmeat, picked over for shells
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)