As a lover of sandwiches, the Reuben sandwich is one of my all-time favorites. With its perfect combination of flavors and textures, it’s no wonder why this sandwich has become a classic in the world of deli sandwiches. In this article, I will walk you through the history of the Reuben sandwich, the ingredients you’ll need to make it, the steps to creating the perfect sandwich, variations you can try, tips for making it even better, and pairing suggestions. Additionally, I will answer some frequently asked questions about the sandwich and provide you with a delicious Reuben sandwich recipe to try at home.
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Introduction to the Reuben Sandwich
The Reuben sandwich is a classic deli sandwich that originated in the United States. It is typically made with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing, all piled high on rye bread. The sandwich is then grilled until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
This sandwich is loved for its combination of flavors and textures. The salty corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy Swiss cheese, and zesty Russian dressing all come together to create a perfect balance of flavors. The rye bread provides a hearty and slightly sweet base for the sandwich.
History of the Reuben Sandwich
The origin of the Reuben sandwich is somewhat disputed, with multiple stories claiming to be the true inspiration for the sandwich. One popular story is that the sandwich was created by a man named Reuben Kulakofsky, who was a grocer in Omaha, Nebraska.
The story goes that Reuben was playing poker with some friends when the group got hungry. Reuben decided to make some sandwiches using leftover corned beef and sauerkraut he had in his store. He added Swiss cheese and Russian dressing, then grilled the sandwiches until the cheese was melted and the bread was toasted. The sandwiches were a hit with his friends and quickly became a local favorite.
Another story claims that the sandwich was actually created at the Blackstone Hotel in Omaha. As the story goes, a group of poker players asked the hotel’s chef to make them a sandwich using some of the hotel’s leftover ingredients. The chef created the Reuben sandwich and it quickly became a popular item on the hotel’s menu.
Regardless of the true origin, the Reuben sandwich has become an American classic, loved by sandwich enthusiasts everywhere.
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Ingredients
To make the perfect Reuben sandwich, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Rye bread: The bread is an important part of the sandwich, providing a hearty base for the other ingredients. Look for a good quality rye bread that is sturdy enough to hold up to the filling.
- Corned beef: The corned beef is the star of the sandwich. Look for thinly sliced corned beef at your local deli counter.
- Swiss cheese: The Swiss cheese adds a creamy and slightly nutty flavor to the sandwich. Look for a good quality Swiss cheese that is sliced thinly.
- Sauerkraut: The tangy sauerkraut adds a nice contrast to the salty corned beef and creamy cheese. Look for sauerkraut that is not too sour and has a good texture.
- Russian dressing: The zesty Russian dressing ties all the flavors together. You can make your own or buy it from the store.
- Butter: The butter is used to grill the sandwich and give it a nice crispy texture.
Steps to Making the Perfect Reuben Sandwich
Now that you have your ingredients, it’s time to put them together to create the perfect Reuben sandwich. Here are the steps:
- Preheat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat.
- Butter one side of each slice of bread.
- On the unbuttered side of one slice of bread, add a layer of corned beef, followed by a layer of sauerkraut, a layer of Swiss cheese, and a drizzle of Russian dressing.
- Top with the other slice of bread, buttered side facing out.
- Place the sandwich on the griddle or skillet and cook until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted, about 3-5 minutes per side.
- Remove from the griddle or skillet and let cool for a minute or two.
- Slice the sandwich in half and serve.
Variations of the Reuben Sandwich
While the classic Reuben sandwich is delicious on its own, there are a few variations you can try to mix things up. Here are a few ideas:
- Turkey Reuben: Substitute turkey for the corned beef for a lighter version of the sandwich.
- Veggie Reuben: Use grilled portobello mushrooms or tempeh instead of corned beef for a vegetarian version of the sandwich.
- Rachel sandwich: Substitute pastrami for the corned beef and coleslaw for the sauerkraut for a twist on the classic Reuben.
- Open-faced Reuben: Skip the top slice of bread and serve the sandwich open-faced for a lighter version.
Tips for Making the Perfect Reuben Sandwich
To take your Reuben sandwich to the next level, here are a few tips:
- Use good quality ingredients: Since there are so few ingredients in the sandwich, it’s important to use the best quality ingredients you can find.
- Toast the bread separately: If you find that the cheese is not melting enough, try toasting the bread separately before adding the filling.
- Keep it simple: The beauty of the Reuben sandwich is in its simplicity. Don’t overcomplicate it with too many ingredients.
Pairing Suggestions for the Reuben Sandwich
The Reuben sandwich pairs well with a variety of sides and drinks. Here are a few ideas:
- Chips or fries: A classic deli sandwich calls for classic deli sides. Serve your Reuben sandwich with a side of chips or fries.
- Coleslaw: Coleslaw is a classic pairing with the Reuben sandwich. The creamy and tangy coleslaw is the perfect contrast to the salty and savory sandwich.
- Pickles: Pickles are a great addition to any sandwich, but they pair particularly well with the Reuben sandwich. The tangy and crunchy pickles complement the flavors of the sandwich.
- Beer: A cold beer is the perfect drink to wash down a Reuben sandwich. Look for a light or medium-bodied beer with a clean finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few frequently asked questions about the Reuben sandwich:
What is the difference between a Reuben and a Rachel sandwich?
The main difference between a Reuben and a Rachel sandwich is the meat. A Reuben sandwich is made with corned beef, while a Rachel sandwich is made with pastrami or turkey.
What is Russian dressing?
Russian dressing is a tangy and zesty dressing made with mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, and other spices. It’s the perfect addition to a Reuben sandwich.
Can I make a Reuben sandwich ahead of time?
While it’s best to make a Reuben sandwich fresh, you can make the components ahead of time and assemble the sandwich when you’re ready to eat it.
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Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The Reuben sandwich is a classic deli sandwich that has stood the test of time. With its combination of salty corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy Swiss cheese, and zesty Russian dressing, it’s no wonder why this sandwich has become a favorite among sandwich lovers everywhere.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create the perfect Reuben sandwich at home. Whether you stick to the classic version or try a variation, the Reuben sandwich is sure to satisfy your cravings.
And now, for the moment you’ve been waiting for, here’s a delicious Reuben sandwich recipe to try at home:
Bonus: Reuben Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 slices rye bread
- 4-6 oz. corned beef
- 2 slices Swiss cheese
- 1/4 cup sauerkraut
- 2 tbsp Russian dressing
- 1 tbsp butter
Directions:
- Preheat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat.
- Butter one side of each slice of bread.
- On the unbuttered side of one slice of bread, add a layer of corned beef, followed by a layer of sauerkraut, a layer of Swiss cheese, and a drizzle of Russian dressing.
- Top with the other slice of bread, buttered side facing out.
- Place the sandwich on the griddle or skillet and cook until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted, about 3-5 minutes per side.
- Remove from the griddle or skillet and let cool for a minute or two.
- Slice the sandwich in half and serve.
Enjoy your delicious Reuben sandwich!
