American Comfort Prawn Pilaf

Prep everything first: chop the aromatics, measure the black pepper elements, and pat the prawn 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 prawn. Cook over a fierce heat until well charred in patches, then finish through.

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

Add the carrots along with a splash of stock or water, then cook briskly 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.

Finish with the chopped thyme and serve while hot.