Smash Burger

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   16 thin bread-and-butter pickle slices, patted dry

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   Four 4-inch potato buns, buttered and toasted

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   1 1/4 pounds ground beef chuck (30 percent fat)

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   Salt and freshly ground pepper

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   2 small onions, sliced paper thin

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   4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, sliced

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   Umami dust, for sprinkling (optional, see Note)

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   Heat a cast-iron griddle until very hot. Layer the pickle slices on the bottom buns.

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   Without overworking the meat, loosely form it into 4 balls and place them on the griddle. Cook the meatballs over moderately high heat for 30 seconds. Using a sturdy large spatula, flatten each ball into a 5-inch round patty. Season the patties with salt and pepper and cook for 2 minutes, until well seared. Press a handful of sliced onions onto each patty. Using the spatula, carefully flip each burger so the onions are on the bottom. Top with the cheese and cook for 2 minutes. Cover with a roasting pan and cook just until the cheese is melted, 1 minute more. Transfer the burgers with the onions to the buns and sprinkle with umami dust. Top with the buns and serve.

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    Make Chimichurri Twice-Baked Potatoes

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    NOTES Umami Dust Use a spice grinder to pulse 3 tablespoons bonito flakes, 1/2 ounce crumbled dried kombu, and 1/2 ounce dried shitake mushrooms into a powder. Keep in a sealed jar at room temperature for up to 2 months. Makes 2 1/2 ounces.

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    SUGGESTED PAIRING

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    Beer Hoppy pale ale: Dale's Pale Ale.

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    Wine Juicy, peppery California Zinfandel.

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    FROM GASTRONAUT: UMAMI BURGER & SMASHED BURGER, PAIRING OF THE DAY: JUNE 2011

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    PUBLISHED JUNE 2011

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.