Plant-Based Smashed Burgers

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons canola oil, divided
• 2 large sweet onions, diced
• ¼ cup cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• ½ teaspoon ground pepper, divided
• ¼ teaspoon salt, divided
• 12-16 ounces plant-based ground “meat,” such as Beyond Beef or Impossible Burger
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 8 slices seeded whole-grain sandwich bread, toasted
• 2 cups baby arugula
• 4 slices tomato

Directions

1. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized, 15 to 20 minutes. Add vinegar, brown sugar, thyme, 1/4 teaspoon pepper and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring, until most of the liquid has evaporated and the mixture is slightly syrupy, about 2 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl. Wipe out the pan.
2. Meanwhile, combine ground “meat,” chili powder and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper and 1/8 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Form into 4 patties and smash to about 1/4 inch thick.
3. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in the pan over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook until browned on both sides, 3 to 4 minutes.
4. Serve the burgers on toast with the onion relish, arugula and tomato.