Smoked Gouda Cheeseburgers

Wash and dry the fresh produce. Halve the zucchini crosswise, then cut into 1/4-inch-thick sticks. Peel and finely chop the garlic; using the flat side of your knife, smash until it resembles a paste (or use a zester). Thinly slice the cheese. Halve the buns. Cut off and discard the stem of the pepper; halve lengthwise, then remove and discard the ribs and seeds. Thinly slice the pepper crosswise. Thoroughly wash your hands and cutting board immediately after handling. 

In a medium bowl, combine the zucchini sticks, vinegar, half the sour cream (you will have extra), 1 tablespoon of olive oil, as much of the garlic paste as you’d like, and as much of the sliced pepper as you’d like, depending on how spicy you’d like the dish to be. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside to marinate, stirring occasionally, at least 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 

While the slaw marinates, place the beef in a bowl; season with salt and pepper. Gently mix to combine. Using your hands, form the mixture into two 1/2-inch-thick patties; transfer to a plate. In a medium pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the patties and cook 4 to 5 minutes on the first side, or until browned. Flip the patties (carefully, as the oil may splatter) and top with the sliced cheese. Loosely cover the pan with aluminum foil; cook 4 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the patties are cooked through. Transfer to a plate. Carefully rinse and wipe out the pan.

Heat the same, dry pan on medium-high until hot. Add the buns cut side down. Toast on medium-high 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until lightly browned. Transfer to a work surface. Assemble the burgers using the toasted buns, mustard, and cooked patties. Serve the burgers with the slaw on the side. Enjoy!