Vegetarian Blog for the Lazy

• Buns (I like the SF Bay Area local bread, Semifreddi Challah Burger Buns)
• 2 slices (per sandwich) of Provolone Cheese
• small bunch of chopped cilantro
• small bunch of alfalfa sprouts
• 1 tbsp Sriracha
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 heirloom tomato

Cut the buns in half and toast with 2 slices of Provolone cheese on one side of the bun until the cheese begins to bubble and the bread is browned. Mix the Sriracha and the mayonnaise together to create the Sriracha Aioli and then spread it on the toasted bun. Top with tomato, alfalfa sprouts and chopped cilantro.

• 4 slices thick-cut fresh sourdough bread
• 1 ball (1 pound) fresh mozzarella, cut into 1/4-inch slices
• 2 plum tomatoes or 1 heirloom tomato, cut into thick slices
• 1 cup fresh basil & cilantro pesto (see below)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Extra-virgin olive oil

Basil & Cilantro pesto:

• 1/2 cup pine nuts
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 cup fresh cilantro
• 1/2 cup Parmesan or Romano
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• optional – 1/2 cup fresh Italian parsley leaves

Toast pine nuts in a skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Combine pesto ingredients in a food processor and pulse until well combined but still rough-textured.

If you have a panini press, turn it on to warm up; otherwise, set a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Assemble sandwich by smearing insides of bread slices with pesto. Arrange a layer of sliced tomato and season with a few turns of fresh pepper. Layer the mozzarella slices over the top and then place another piece of bread on top to make the sandwich. Drizzle olive oil over skillet’s surface and place sandwiches on the hot skillet or panini press.

If using a skillet, place another heavy skillet over the top to form a “press”. Turn after 2 to 3 minutes and replace weight. The sandwich is ready when golden brown and mozzarella has melted around the edges. Also, if you want to make this lighter you can bake the sandwich until the cheese gets nice and melted and the bread turns toasted brown.

• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained 
• 4 tbsp mayonnaise, divided 
• 1/3 cup of Panko
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  
• salt to taste 
• 1 small bunch finely chopped cilantro (or flat leaf parsley)
• 1 tbsp olive oil 
• 2 kaiser or french rolls 
• 1 tsp Sriracha

In a small bowl, smash half of the beans with the back of a fork along with 2 tbsp of the mayonnaise, the bread crumbs, cumin, salt and pepper until well-incorporated. Transfer to a bowl and stir in cilantro or parsley and remaining beans. Form mixture into 2 patties.

Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Cook burgers until outsides are crisp, about 3 minutes per side.

To make the Sriracha aioli, mix 1 tsp Sriracha with 2 tbsp mayonnaise. Stir well to incorporate.

To serve, split rolls in half and place burger on the bottom half. Top with a layer of the aioli and your favorite burger toppings (avocado, sliced cheese, sprouts, onions, tomato, etc).

This burger patty also works well as leftovers in the morning topped with fried eggs, salsa and tortillas (see Mission-style Breakfast Tacos post).

Serves 2