Barcelona Burgers

Ingredients

• 0.3 cup almonds sliced
• 1.5 pounds beef chuck 
• 2 cloves garlic crushed
• 4 servings kosher salt 
• 4 servings lettuce leaves for serving
• 4 slices manchego cheese 
• 9 slices olive bread lightly toasted
• 4 tablespoons olive oil extra-virgin plus more for brushing
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 
• 0.5 cup roasted peppers red jarred chopped
• 0.3 cup shallots finely grated
• 1 teaspoon paprika smoked

Equipment

• food processor
• bowl
• frying pan
• oven
• blender

Directions

1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Remove the crust from 1 slice bread and tear the bread into 1-inch pieces.
3. Add to the skillet along with the garlic and cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes.
4. Add the almonds and cook until golden, about 3 minutes.
5. Transfer to a mini food processor or blender along with the roasted peppers, vinegar, the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon paprika and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Pulse until slightly chunky.
6. Gently mix the ground meat, shallots, 1 teaspoon salt and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon paprika in a bowl with your hands until just combined. Form into four 1-inch-thick patties.
7. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
8. Brush with olive oil, then add the patties and cook until browned on the bottom, 4 to 5 minutes. Flip and top the patties with cheese; cook 4 to 5 more minutes.
9. Spread the roasted pepper sauce on the remaining 8 slices bread.
10. Serve the burgers on the bread with lettuce.
11. Photograph by Antonis Achilleos