1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
1/4 cup carrot, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups seafood or chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 pound cooked crab meat, shells removed
1/2 pound cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
2 tablespoons sherry (optional)
Fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, celery, and carrot until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Stir in tomato paste, paprika, cayenne (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.