American Comfort Cod Pancakes

Prep everything first: chop the aromatics, measure the brown sugar and bourbon elements, and pat the cod dry so it colours well.

Warm the olive oil in a large pan over a medium heat and soften the onion and garlic until sweet and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Turn up the heat and add the cod. Cook low with a little smoke until burnished and infused, resting before slicing.

Stir in the smoked paprika and the rest of the brown sugar and bourbon flavours, letting them cook out for a minute until fragrant.

Add the asparagus along with a splash of stock or water, then cover and cook gently until everything is tender and the sauce clings.

Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper and a little acid. It should taste bright, savoury and balanced.