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1
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil and onions with a pinch of salt.
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2
Stir to coat, then cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until caramelized.
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3
While onions are cooking, make the burgers.
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4
In a large bowl, mash beans with a potato masher or fork.
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5
I like to mash them halfway, leaving some whole.
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6
Add in basil, garlic, paprika, onion powder, salt and pepper, mixing to combine.
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7
In a smaller bowl, lightly beat egg and egg white, and add in 1 tablespoon olive oil and panko, stirring to mix.
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8
Add the egg mixture to the beans, and mix thoroughly to combine, bringing it together with your hands if needed.
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9
Separate the beans into 4-6 equal sections and form patties.
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10
I think the key to a great patty melt is making them according to the size of your bread slices, so the amount of patties you get may vary.
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11
Heat the same large skillet over medium-high heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil (or as much as you need).
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12
Add burgers and cook on each side until golden, about 5-6 minutes.
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13
Remove burgers with a spatula and set on a plate.
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14
To make the patty melts, butter one side of bread, placing it in the skillet butter-side down.
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15
Add a few handfuls of grated cheese, then place a burger on top.
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16
Top that with some onions and more cheese, then one more side of buttered bread, with the buttered side facing up.
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17
Cook on medium-low heat (slowly!)
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18
until the cheese begins to melt and glue the sandwich together, then flip and cook until the bread is golden and toasty.
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19
Eat!
