The Reuben sandwich, a classic deli delight, has been a staple of American cuisine for decades. This mouthwatering combination of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing, grilled to perfection between slices of rye bread, is a treat that never goes out of style. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey to explore the history of the Reuben, its evolution, and most importantly, provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make the perfect 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 dates back to the 1920s, when Arnold Reuben, a German-American restaurateur, allegedly created the sandwich at his eponymous deli in New York City. Another tale points to Reuben Kulakofsky, a Lithuanian-born grocer from Omaha, Nebraska, who supposedly invented the sandwich in the 1930s.
Regardless of its true origins, the Reuben sandwich gained popularity in the mid-20th century, becoming a staple of Jewish delis and diners across the United States. Its enduring appeal lies in the harmonious balance of flavors and textures, which we’ll explore in the following sections.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
A great Reuben sandwich starts with high-quality ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of the essential components:
Corned Beef
Corned beef is the star of the show, providing the sandwich with its signature flavor and texture. Look for thinly sliced, lean corned beef that’s been cured in a mixture of salt, sugar, and spices. You can use either flat-cut or point-cut corned beef, depending on your personal preference.
Types of Corned Beef
- Flat-cut corned beef: Leaner and more tender, with a milder flavor.
- Point-cut corned beef: Fattier and more flavorful, with a coarser texture.
Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut adds a tangy, slightly sour flavor to the Reuben, balancing out the richness of the corned beef. Choose a high-quality, store-bought sauerkraut or make your own using shredded cabbage, salt, and caraway seeds.
Swiss Cheese
Swiss cheese provides a creamy, nutty flavor that complements the corned beef and sauerkraut. Look for a mild, low-moisture Swiss cheese that melts well.
Thousand Island Dressing
Thousand Island dressing adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor to the Reuben. You can use store-bought dressing or make your own using mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, and chopped herbs.
Rye Bread
Rye bread is the foundation of the Reuben sandwich, providing a dense, slightly sweet base for the filling. Look for a high-quality, dense rye bread with a subtle caraway flavor.
Assembling the Reuben Sandwich
Now that we’ve covered the essential ingredients, it’s time to assemble the Reuben sandwich. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Butter the Bread
Butter one side of each slice of rye bread. This will help create a crispy, golden-brown crust when grilled.
Step 2: Layer the Corned Beef
Place 2-3 slices of corned beef on the unbuttered side of one slice of rye bread. Make sure to cover the entire surface, but avoid overlapping the slices.
Step 3: Add the Sauerkraut
Spoon a generous amount of sauerkraut over the corned beef, making sure to cover the entire surface.
Step 4: Add the Swiss Cheese
Place one or two slices of Swiss cheese over the sauerkraut, depending on your desired level of cheesiness.
Step 5: Add the Thousand Island Dressing
Spread a thin layer of Thousand Island dressing over the cheese. Be careful not to overdo it, as too much dressing can make the sandwich soggy.
Step 6: Top with the Second Slice of Rye Bread
Place the second slice of rye bread, buttered side up, over the filling.
Grilling the Reuben Sandwich
Grilling the Reuben sandwich is an art that requires patience and attention to detail. Follow these tips to achieve the perfect grilled Reuben:
Step 1: Preheat the Grill or Grill Pan
Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-low heat. You want the heat to be gentle, as high heat can burn the bread before the cheese is melted.
Step 2: Place the Sandwich on the Grill
Carefully place the Reuben sandwich on the grill or grill pan, buttered side down.
Step 3: Cook for 2-3 Minutes
Cook the sandwich for 2-3 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. You may see a slight sheen on the surface of the bread – this is a good sign!
Step 4: Flip the Sandwich
Carefully flip the sandwich over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the other side is equally golden brown.
Tips and Variations
While the classic Reuben recipe is a timeless favorite, there’s always room for innovation and experimentation. Here are a few tips and variations to try:
- Use a panini press: If you have a panini press, use it to grill the Reuben sandwich. This will help create a crispy, evenly cooked crust.
- Add some spice: Add a pinch of caraway seeds or a sprinkle of paprika to the sauerkraut for an extra boost of flavor.
- Use different types of cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone, to create a unique flavor profile.
- Add some crunch: Top the Reuben sandwich with some crispy, crunchy elements, such as chopped onions or pickles, for added texture.
Conclusion
The Reuben sandwich is a culinary masterpiece that requires attention to detail and a passion for quality ingredients. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to creating the perfect Reuben sandwich. Whether you’re a deli aficionado or a culinary newbie, the Reuben sandwich is sure to become a favorite in your household. So go ahead, get creative, and make the Reuben sandwich your own!
What is a Reuben Sandwich?
A 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 a Reuben sandwich makes it a popular choice for many people. The sandwich is often associated with Jewish deli cuisine, but its origins are unclear.
The key to a great Reuben sandwich is using high-quality ingredients. Look for thinly sliced corned beef, fresh sauerkraut, and a good quality Swiss cheese. You’ll also want to use a flavorful Thousand Island dressing and a dense, chewy rye bread. With these ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to crafting the perfect Reuben sandwich.
What type of bread is best for a Reuben Sandwich?
The best type of bread for a Reuben sandwich is a dense, chewy rye bread. This type of bread holds up well to the filling and provides a nice texture contrast to the soft corned beef and sauerkraut. Look for a bread that is made with caraway seeds, which add a nice flavor and texture to the sandwich.
You can also use a pumpernickel bread or a dark rye bread as a substitute. However, avoid using a light or fluffy bread, as it will not hold up well to the filling. You want a bread that will provide a sturdy base for the sandwich and help to keep everything together.
How do I assemble a Reuben Sandwich?
Assembling a Reuben sandwich is a straightforward process. Start by spreading a layer of Thousand Island dressing on one slice of bread. Then, add a layer of corned beef, followed by a layer of sauerkraut. Next, add a slice of Swiss cheese and top with the second slice of bread.
Make sure to assemble the sandwich in the right order, as this will help to keep everything together. You also want to make sure that the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted, so consider grilling the sandwich in a pan or under the broiler.
Can I use different types of cheese in a Reuben Sandwich?
While Swiss cheese is the traditional choice for a Reuben sandwich, you can use other types of cheese as a substitute. Some popular options include cheddar, provolone, and Gruyère. However, keep in mind that these cheeses will change the flavor and texture of the sandwich, so it may not be as authentic.
If you do decide to use a different type of cheese, make sure it is a good melting cheese. You want the cheese to be melted and gooey, as this will help to hold the sandwich together. Avoid using a cheese that is too soft or too hard, as it may not melt properly.
How do I grill a Reuben Sandwich?
Grilling a Reuben sandwich is a great way to melt the cheese and toast the bread. To grill a Reuben sandwich, start by buttering one side of each slice of bread. Then, place the sandwich in a pan or skillet over medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
Flip the sandwich over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the other side is also toasted. You can also grill the sandwich under the broiler for a few minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted. Just be careful not to burn the bread.
Can I make a vegetarian version of a Reuben Sandwich?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of a Reuben sandwich by substituting the corned beef with a vegetarian alternative. Some popular options include tempeh, seitan, and grilled portobello mushrooms. You can also use a vegetarian corned beef substitute, such as a product made from plant-based ingredients.
Keep in mind that a vegetarian Reuben sandwich will have a different flavor and texture than a traditional Reuben sandwich. However, with the right ingredients and a little creativity, you can create a delicious and satisfying vegetarian version of this classic sandwich.
How do I store leftover Reuben Sandwiches?
If you have leftover Reuben sandwiches, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a day. To store a Reuben sandwich, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. You can also freeze a Reuben sandwich for up to a month, although the texture and flavor may be affected.
When you’re ready to eat a leftover Reuben sandwich, simply unwrap it and grill it in a pan or under the broiler until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted. You can also microwave a Reuben sandwich for a few seconds, although this may not produce the same crispy texture as grilling.