Optional: add Old Bay Seasoning

4 tbsp. butter 1 medium onion, finely chopped 2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped 2 stalks celery, finely chopped Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tbsp. tomato paste 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour 4 c. seafood or fish stock 1 1/4 c. dry white wine 1 bay leaf 3 sprigs fresh thyme 1/2 c. heavy cream 1 lb. cooked lobster meat, chopped Finely chopped chives, for serving

In a large, heavy pot over medium heat, heat butter. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until soft, about 7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then stir in garlic and tomato paste. Cook until garlic is fragrant and tomato paste coats vegetables, about 2 minutes. Sprinkle over flour and cook, 1 minute more.
Pour in seafood stock and wine, then stir in bay leaf and thyme. Reduce heat and let simmer until liquid is reduced and flavors meld, stirring occasionally, 30 minutes.
Remove bay leaf and thyme and purée with an immersion blender until very smooth. Return to medium-low heat and stir in heavy cream and lobster meat, cooking just until warm, about 5 minutes.
Garnish with chives before serving.