The Reuben sandwich, a classic combination of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing, grilled to perfection between slices of rye bread, is a beloved favorite among deli enthusiasts and casual diners alike. But what makes a truly exceptional Reuben, and how can you replicate this gastronomic delight in the comfort of your own kitchen? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the history of the Reuben, explore the essential ingredients and techniques, and provide expert tips for crafting the ultimate Reuben sandwich.
A Brief History of the Reuben
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 served a sandwich consisting of corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese to a group of hungry gamblers at his eponymous deli in New York City. Another account attributes the Reuben’s creation to Reuben Kulakofsky, a Lithuanian-born grocer from Omaha, Nebraska, who supposedly served a similar sandwich to his friends at a weekly poker game.
Regardless of its true origins, the Reuben sandwich gained widespread popularity in the mid-20th century, becoming a staple of Jewish delis and diners across the United States. Today, the Reuben remains a beloved classic, with countless variations and interpretations popping up on menus and in home kitchens around the world.
The Essential Ingredients
A great Reuben begins with high-quality ingredients. Here are the essential components you’ll need to craft the perfect sandwich:
Corned Beef
Corned beef is the star of the Reuben show, providing a tender, flavorful base for the sandwich. 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.
Brands to Consider:
- Boar’s Head
- Katz’s Delicatessen
- Carnegie Deli
Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut adds a tangy, slightly sweet contrast to the richness of the corned beef. Opt for a high-quality, store-bought sauerkraut that’s been fermented in its own juices. Avoid sauerkraut that’s been pasteurized or contains added sugars.
Brands to Consider:
- Bubbies
- Claussen
- Eden Foods
Swiss Cheese
Swiss cheese provides a creamy, nutty element to the Reuben. Look for a high-quality, imported Swiss cheese that’s been aged for a minimum of 9 months.
Brands to Consider:
- Emmental
- Gruyère
- Jarlsberg
Thousand Island Dressing
Thousand Island dressing adds a tangy, slightly sweet element to the Reuben. You can use either store-bought or homemade Thousand Island dressing, depending on your preference.
Recipe for Homemade Thousand Island Dressing:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | 1 cup |
| Chopped pickles | 1/4 cup |
| Chopped fresh dill | 1 tablespoon |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Assembling the Reuben
Now that you have your ingredients, it’s time to assemble the Reuben. Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting the perfect sandwich:
Step 1: Butter the Bread
Butter one side of each slice of rye bread. This will help create a crispy, golden-brown crust when the sandwich is grilled.
Step 2: Add the Corned Beef
Place 2-3 slices of corned beef on the unbuttered side of one slice of rye bread.
Step 3: Add the Sauerkraut
Top the corned beef with a generous helping of sauerkraut. You can use as much or as little sauerkraut as you like, depending on your personal preference.
Step 4: Add the Swiss Cheese
Place one slice of Swiss cheese on top of the sauerkraut.
Step 5: Add the Thousand Island Dressing
Spread a layer of Thousand Island dressing on top of the Swiss cheese.
Step 6: Assemble the Sandwich
Place the second slice of rye bread, buttered side up, on top of the sandwich.
Grilling the Reuben
Grilling the Reuben is an essential step in creating a crispy, golden-brown crust. Here are a few tips for grilling the perfect Reuben:
Use a Panini Press or Grill
A panini press or grill is ideal for grilling the Reuben, as it applies even pressure and heat to the sandwich. If you don’t have a panini press or grill, you can use a skillet or griddle instead.
Grill at Medium-Low Heat
Grill the Reuben at medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Press Down Gently
Press down gently on the sandwich while it’s grilling to ensure even contact with the pan.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to help you take your Reuben game to the next level:
Use a Meat Slicer
Use a meat slicer to slice the corned beef thinly and evenly. This will help ensure that the sandwich is easy to bite into and chew.
Add Some Spice
Add some spice to your Reuben by sprinkling a pinch of caraway seeds or chopped fresh dill on top of the sauerkraut.
Use a Different Type of Cheese
Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone, to add a unique twist to the Reuben.
Add Some Crunch
Add some crunch to the Reuben by topping it with chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of crispy fried onions.
In conclusion, crafting the perfect Reuben sandwich requires attention to detail, high-quality ingredients, and a bit of practice. By following these tips and techniques, 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 ultimate comfort food for yourself.
What is a Reuben sandwich?
A Reuben sandwich is a type of sandwich that typically 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 origins of the Reuben sandwich are unclear, but it is often attributed to Arnold Reuben, a German-American restaurateur who allegedly created the sandwich in the early 20th century. Regardless of its origins, the Reuben sandwich has become a beloved classic in many parts of the world.
What type of bread is best for a Reuben sandwich?
The best type of bread for a Reuben sandwich is rye bread, specifically a dense and chewy type of rye bread that can hold up to the filling. Rye bread has a distinctive flavor that complements the other ingredients in the sandwich, and its texture provides a nice contrast to the softness of the cheese and the crunch of the sauerkraut.
When selecting a rye bread for your Reuben sandwich, look for a bread that is made with caraway seeds, which give the bread a distinctive flavor and texture. You can also try using a pumpernickel bread or a dark rye bread for a slightly different flavor profile.
How do I cook the corned beef for a Reuben sandwich?
The corned beef for a Reuben sandwich can be cooked in a variety of ways, including grilling, pan-frying, or oven-roasting. Regardless of the cooking method, it’s essential to cook the corned beef until it’s tender and flavorful.
One way to cook the corned beef is to slice it thinly and grill it in a pan with a small amount of oil until it’s browned and crispy. You can also cook the corned beef in the oven by wrapping it in foil and roasting it at 300°F (150°C) for about 30 minutes, or until it’s tender and flavorful.
What type of cheese is best for a Reuben sandwich?
The best type of cheese for a Reuben sandwich is Swiss cheese, which has a mild flavor and a creamy texture that complements the other ingredients in the sandwich. Swiss cheese is also a good melting cheese, which makes it ideal for grilling.
When selecting a Swiss cheese for your Reuben sandwich, look for a cheese that is made with whole milk, which will give the cheese a richer flavor and a creamier texture. You can also try using other types of cheese, such as Gruyère or Emmental, for a slightly different flavor profile.
How do I assemble a Reuben sandwich?
Assembling a Reuben sandwich is a straightforward process that requires some basic ingredients and a bit of assembly. Start by spreading a layer of Thousand Island dressing on one slice of rye bread, followed by a layer of sauerkraut, a few slices of corned beef, and a slice of Swiss cheese.
Once you’ve assembled the filling, place the second slice of rye bread on top of the filling and grill the sandwich in a pan until it’s crispy and golden brown. You can also grill the sandwich in a panini press or under the broiler for a crispy crust.
Can I customize a Reuben sandwich to suit my tastes?
Yes, you can customize a Reuben sandwich to suit your tastes by adding or substituting different ingredients. Some popular variations include adding sliced turkey or roast beef to the sandwich, using different types of cheese or sauerkraut, or adding some sliced vegetables, such as bell peppers or onions.
When customizing a Reuben sandwich, it’s essential to balance the flavors and textures so that the sandwich doesn’t become too overwhelming. Start with a basic Reuben sandwich recipe and then add or substitute ingredients to suit your tastes.
How do I store leftover Reuben sandwiches?
Leftover Reuben sandwiches can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or frozen for up to 2 months. To store a leftover Reuben sandwich, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator or freezer.
When reheating a leftover Reuben sandwich, grill it in a pan or under the broiler until it’s crispy and golden brown. You can also reheat the sandwich in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat the cheese, which can become melted and soggy.