The Reuben Sandwich
A Classic Comfort Food
The Reuben sandwich is a classic American comfort food that has been delighting taste buds for decades. This hearty sandwich is packed with flavor and texture, making it a popular choice for lunch, dinner, or a late-night snack.
What is a Reuben Sandwich?
A Reuben sandwich consists of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing, all grilled between two slices of buttered rye bread. The combination of salty, creamy, tangy, and piquant flavors is truly satisfying.
The History of the Reuben:
The exact origin of the Reuben sandwich is debated, but it is believed to have been created in the early 20th century. Some claim that the sandwich was invented in Omaha, Nebraska, while others believe it originated in New York City. Regardless of its exact birthplace, the Reuben has become a beloved American classic.
Here's a basic recipe for making a Reuben sandwich at home:
Ingredients:
2 slices rye bread
4 ounces corned beef, thinly sliced
1/4 cup sauerkraut
1 slice Swiss cheese
2 tablespoons Russian dressing
1 tablespoon butter
Instructions:
Butter one side of each slice of rye bread.
Place one slice of rye bread, butter side down, in a skillet over medium heat. For the meltiest sandwich, use a cast iron skillet - the radiant heat will help warm through the stacked ingredients along with the bread.
Top with corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese.
Place the second slice of rye bread, butter side up, on top.
Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom slice starts to brown, and flip with a wide spatula. Repeat until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown on each side.
Spread Russian dressing inside the corned beef side of the sandwich and serve immediately.
Make another while the pan is hot!
Variations on the Reuben:
There are many variations on the classic Reuben sandwich. If corned beef isn’t available, pastrami is a common substitute. Some people prefer to add thousand island dressing instead of Russian dressing, while others like to include grilled onions or mushrooms. Experiment with different ingredients to find your perfect Reuben recipe.
Tips from the Chef:
Try cooking your own corned beef! Many home cooks like to use an Instant Pot to finish their brisket in just a few hours. Others go lower and slower (24 hours!) by cooking sous vide with an immersion circulator like the Anova Precision Cooker. Be sure to rinse the beef before cooking so it’s not too salty.
For an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer, try making Reuben sliders. Simply cut the rye bread into small squares, assemble the sandwiches as directed, and bake at 350 until heated through.
Whether you're a fan of classic comfort food or looking to try something new, the Reuben sandwich is a delicious and satisfying choice. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy this iconic American dish.
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