Green Falafel Smash Burgers

Method

1. 1

   Cut out 11 small pieces of parchment paper (about 5x5"); set aside. Toss ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced, 3 Tbsp. white wine vinegar, and a pinch of kosher salt in a small bowl. Let sit until ready to serve.

2. 2

   Place ½ medium red onion, coarsely chopped, 2 garlic cloves, finely grated, 1 jalapeño, coarsely chopped, 1 cup coarsely chopped tender herbs (such as parsley and/or cilantro), 1 tsp. ground cumin, and 1½ tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1 tsp. Morton kosher salt in a food processor, season with freshly ground pepper, and pulse until finely chopped. Scrape down sides, then add one 15.5-oz. can chickpeas, rinsed; pulse until finely chopped and homogeneous in size. Add remaining one 15.5-oz. can chickpeas, rinsed, and pulse a few times to coarsely chop, leaving some larger pieces. Transfer chickpea mixture to a large bowl; mix in 1 large egg, beaten to blend, 2 oz. white cheddar, coarsely grated, and 1 cup panko. Let sit 10 minutes (mixture should hold together when some is squeezed in your hand).

3. 3

   Meanwhile, mix ¾ cup mayonnaise and 1 (heaping) Tbsp. harissa paste in a small bowl; set aside.

4. 4

   Scoop out ⅓ cup chickpea mixture. Roll and pack into a tight ball with your hands. Place ball on a reserved parchment square on a surface. Place another square on top and press with your palm to form a ⅓"–½"-thick patty. Pat in any craggy bits to create smooth outer edges. Remove top piece of parchment. Repeat with remaining chickpea mixture to make 9 more patties, reusing top piece of parchment to smash all patties and leaving each patty on its own bottom piece of parchment.

5. 5

   Heat a dry large cast-iron skillet over medium-high. Working in batches, cook 4 hamburger buns, cut sides down, until toasted, 1–2 minutes per batch. Transfer to plates.

6. 6

   Heat 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil in same pan over medium-high. Working in 3 batches and using a slotted spoon to remove any stray bits of patties and adding more oil as needed between batches, lay patties in skillet, then peel away parchment. Cook until deeply browned, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a baking sheet.

7. 7

   Build burgers with buns, lettuce leaves, sliced cucumbers, reserved harissa mayo, reserved pickled onion, and 2 patties each. (Wrap remaining 2 patties and reserve in refrigerator for another use. You can reheat in a dry hot skillet until warmed through, 1–2 minutes per side.) Do Ahead: Patties can be formed 1 day ahead. Wrap tightly and chill.

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