Smash burgers are having a moment. They seem to be served on every corner of every metropolis. They have been turned into everything from tacos to salads. Smash burgers are even served fries-supreme-style over their traditional side. We have reached peak smash burger and I for one am happy to see it. Burgers, smashed or otherwise, are a perfect food. But why would I present you with a classic burger when I already have one on this site? So instead here is my vegetarian take on the smash burger. These Maitake Smash Burgers feature maitake mushrooms marinated in ras el hanout and olive oil smashed and roasted between two large baking sheets. The mushrooms are piled onto a bun slathered with a mint aioli and topped with sumac onions and fresh cucumber. It may not be your classic burger stand burger but it’s still mighty fine,  so let’s make it!

Allow me to introduce you to my current reigning veggie sandwich. I’ve affectionately dubbed this sandwich the Ultimate Veggie Sandwich, which is a title that sounds like it has some weight and permanence. But the truth is this sandwich is my favorite for now. Sandwich loyalty isn’t something I’m known for. I’ve had many a sandwich in my day and most of them have been vegetarian. Cheese is really the main event for me when it comes to sandwiches. Growing up my ultimate sandwich was a toasted tomato sandwich, which is really just a BLT sans the B. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve branched out in terms of my sandwich repertoire.