The Reuben sandwich, a timeless classic that has been satisfying the cravings of deli lovers for generations. This mouthwatering masterpiece is a harmonious balance of flavors, textures, and temperatures, all held together by three slices of perfectly toasted rye bread. In this article, we’ll delve into the rich history of the Reuben, explore the essential ingredients, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to make the perfect classic Reuben sandwich.
A Brief History of the Reuben Sandwich
The origins of the Reuben sandwich are shrouded in mystery, with several restaurants and chefs claiming to be its creator. One story behind the Reuben’s inception dates back to the 1920s, when Arnold Reuben, a German-American restaurateur, allegedly created the sandwich at his eponymous deli in New York City. According to this tale, Reuben crafted the sandwich as a specialty item for his menu, featuring corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing, all piled high on rye bread.
Another theory suggests that the Reuben was actually created by Reuben Kulakofsky, a Lithuanian-born grocer from Omaha, Nebraska. Kulakofsky, who was part of a weekly poker game at the Blackstone Hotel, is said to have ordered a sandwich made with corned beef, sauerkraut, and cheese, which eventually became known as the Reuben.
Regardless of its true origins, the Reuben sandwich has become an integral part of American deli culture, with its popularity endearing it to foodies and casual diners alike.
The Essential Ingredients of a Classic Reuben Sandwich
So, what makes a Reuben sandwich truly classic? The answer lies in the quality and authenticity of its ingredients. Here are the essential components of a traditional Reuben:
The Bread: Rye, the Foundation of the Reuben
Rye bread is the backbone of the Reuben sandwich, providing a sturdy base for the generous fillings. Look for a dense, dark rye with a subtle caraway flavor, which will add depth and complexity to the sandwich. You can either use store-bought rye or bake your own – we’ll provide a simple recipe later in this article.
The Corned Beef: Thinly Sliced and Tender
Thinly sliced corned beef is the star of the Reuben show. Opt for a high-quality, lean cut of beef that’s been cured in a mixture of salt, sugar, and spices. You can either use store-bought corned beef or make your own – we’ll provide a basic recipe later in this article.
The Sauerkraut: Tangy and Crunchy
Sauerkraut, a type of fermented shredded cabbage, adds a tangy, slightly sour flavor to the Reuben. Look for a high-quality, store-bought sauerkraut that’s been made with traditional methods and ingredients. You can also make your own sauerkraut at home – we’ll provide a simple recipe later in this article.
The Swiss Cheese: Nutty and Creamy
Swiss cheese, with its nutty, creamy flavor, is the perfect complement to the corned beef and sauerkraut. Look for a high-quality, imported Swiss cheese that’s been aged to perfection.
The Thousand Island Dressing: Creamy and Tangy
Thousand Island dressing, a creamy, tangy condiment made with mayonnaise, ketchup, and relish, adds a rich, velvety texture to the Reuben. You can either use store-bought Thousand Island dressing or make your own – we’ll provide a simple recipe later in this article.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Perfect Classic Reuben Sandwich
Now that we’ve covered the essential ingredients, it’s time to assemble the perfect classic Reuben sandwich. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create this deli masterpiece:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Before you start assembling the sandwich, make sure you have all the ingredients ready to go. Slice the corned beef thinly, using a sharp knife or a meat slicer. Drain the sauerkraut and squeeze out any excess liquid. Slice the Swiss cheese into thin strips. Prepare the Thousand Island dressing according to the recipe below.
Step 2: Butter the Rye Bread
Butter one side of each slice of rye bread generously, making sure to cover the entire surface. This will help create a golden-brown crust on the bread.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich
Place one slice of rye bread, butter-side down, in a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a layer of corned beef, followed by a layer of sauerkraut, a slice of Swiss cheese, and a dollop of Thousand Island dressing. Top with another slice of rye bread, butter-side up.
Step 4: Grill the Sandwich
Grill the sandwich for about 3-4 minutes on the first side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Carefully flip the sandwich over and grill for another 3-4 minutes, or until the other side is equally golden brown.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it cool for a minute or two. Slice the sandwich in half and serve immediately.
Recipes to Enhance Your Reuben Experience
To take your Reuben game to the next level, here are a few recipes you can try at home:
Homemade Rye Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of rye flour
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 packet of active dry yeast
- 1 cup of warm water
- 1 tablespoon of caraway seeds
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rye flour, all-purpose flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
- Gradually add the warm water, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a round or oblong loaf.
- Place the loaf on a baking sheet, sprinkle with caraway seeds, and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Homemade Corned Beef Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of beef brisket or round
- 1 cup of kosher salt
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1/4 cup of pink curing salt
- 1/4 cup of black peppercorns
- 1/4 cup of coriander seeds
- 1/4 cup of mustard seeds
- 1/4 cup of pickling spice
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the kosher salt, brown sugar, pink curing salt, black peppercorns, coriander seeds, mustard seeds, and pickling spice.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the beef, making sure to coat it evenly.
- Place the beef in a large container or zip-top bag, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate for at least 5 days, or until the beef is cured and tender.
- After the curing process, rinse the beef under cold running water, pat it dry with paper towels, and slice it thinly against the grain.
Homemade Sauerkraut Recipe
Ingredients:
- 5 pounds of cabbage
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of caraway seeds
- 1 tablespoon of juniper berries
Instructions:
- Shred the cabbage into thin strips and place it in a large bowl.
- Sprinkle the salt, caraway seeds, and juniper berries over the cabbage, mixing until the cabbage is evenly coated.
- Massage the cabbage mixture with your hands for about 5 minutes, until it starts to soften and release its juices.
- Pack the cabbage mixture into a large container or crock, pressing down firmly to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap and let it ferment in a cool, dark place for at least 4-6 weeks, or until the sauerkraut is tangy and slightly sour.
Homemade Thousand Island Dressing Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup of ketchup
- 1/4 cup of sweet pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh chives
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, chopped fresh dill, and chopped fresh chives until smooth.
- Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes, or until it’s chilled and ready to use.
In conclusion, the classic Reuben sandwich is a timeless masterpiece that requires attention to detail, quality ingredients, and a bit of patience. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to creating a Reuben that’s sure to impress even the most discerning deli enthusiasts. So go ahead, give it a try, and experience the magic of the Reuben for yourself!
What is a Classic Reuben Sandwich?
A Classic Reuben Sandwich is a type of sandwich that consists of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing, grilled between slices of rye bread. The combination of flavors and textures in this sandwich has made it a beloved favorite among many people.
The origins of the Reuben Sandwich are often attributed to Arnold Reuben, a German-American restaurateur who allegedly created the dish in the early 20th century. However, there are also claims that the sandwich was invented by Reuben Kulakofsky, a Lithuanian-American grocer. Regardless of its true origins, the Reuben Sandwich has become a staple of American cuisine.
What type of corned beef should I use for a Reuben Sandwich?
For a Classic Reuben Sandwich, it’s best to use thinly sliced corned beef that is tender and flavorful. Look for corned beef that is labeled as “flat cut” or “lean cut,” as this will be less fatty and more tender than other types of corned beef.
You can also use homemade corned beef if you prefer. To make homemade corned beef, you will need to cure a beef brisket in a mixture of salt, sugar, and spices for several days. This will give the beef a rich, savory flavor that is perfect for a Reuben Sandwich.
How do I prepare the sauerkraut for a Reuben Sandwich?
To prepare the sauerkraut for a Reuben Sandwich, you will need to rinse it with cold water and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This will help to remove excess salt and vinegar from the sauerkraut, which can make the sandwich taste too sour.
You can also add some caraway seeds or chopped fresh parsley to the sauerkraut for extra flavor. Simply mix the seeds or parsley into the sauerkraut and let it sit for a few minutes before using it in the sandwich.
What type of cheese is best for a Reuben Sandwich?
For a Classic Reuben Sandwich, it’s best to use Swiss cheese. Swiss cheese has a mild, nutty flavor that complements the corned beef and sauerkraut perfectly. It also melts well, which helps to hold the sandwich together.
You can use either sliced or shredded Swiss cheese for a Reuben Sandwich. Sliced cheese is easier to melt, but shredded cheese can be more evenly distributed throughout the sandwich.
How do I assemble a Reuben Sandwich?
To assemble a Reuben Sandwich, you will need to butter two slices of rye bread and place them in a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once the bread is toasted, you can add a slice of cheese, a few slices of corned beef, and a spoonful of sauerkraut to one slice of bread.
Next, you will need to spread a layer of Thousand Island dressing on top of the sauerkraut. This will help to hold the sandwich together and add extra flavor. Finally, you can place the second slice of bread on top of the sandwich and cook it until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
How do I cook a Reuben Sandwich?
To cook a Reuben Sandwich, you will need to place it in a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook the sandwich for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
You can also cook a Reuben Sandwich in a panini press or under the broiler. This will help to melt the cheese and toast the bread more evenly. Regardless of how you cook the sandwich, be sure to keep an eye on it to prevent it from burning.
Can I make variations of a Reuben Sandwich?
Yes, you can make variations of a Reuben Sandwich by using different types of meat, cheese, and condiments. Some popular variations include using pastrami or turkey instead of corned beef, and adding sliced onions or bell peppers to the sandwich.
You can also use different types of bread, such as sourdough or ciabatta, to give the sandwich a unique flavor. Additionally, you can add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, to the sauerkraut for extra flavor.