Root Vegetable

Peperonata is an Italian mixture of stewed sweet peppers, tomatoes, onions, and garlic. In this dish, the peperonata is combined with classic Provençal ingredients to make a flavorful topping for toast.

This recipe works equally well with other cheeses: Try a mild fontina or Comté in place of the Gruyère.

Tangy homemade pickles and onions bring intense flavor and satisfying heft to these sandwiches. However, you can omit step 1 and use jarred pickles; just do keep in mind that these may increase your sodium intake.

You’ll need to make these onions at least 1 week in advance.

Use half of this recipe in the burgers and half for the grilled tomato sauce.

To julienne the vegetables, cut them into thin matchstick-size pieces using a sharp knife or a mandoline. Refrigerate them in an airtight container until ready to use, up to 3 hours.

The ingredients can be prepared the day before and refrigerated.