Reuben Sandwich

Irresistible Swiss Reuben Casserole Recipe - Warm and Savory Ingredients

Region / culture: New Zealand, Switzerland | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 1

Introduction

The Reuben sandwich is a classic deli favorite that features a delicious combination of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing, all grilled between slices of pumpernickel bread. This hearty sandwich is a popular choice for lunch or dinner and is sure to satisfy your cravings for a savory and satisfying meal.

History

The Reuben sandwich is said to have originated in the early 20th century in the United States. There are several stories about the sandwich's creation, but most agree that it was first made at a deli in Omaha, Nebraska. The sandwich was named after Reuben Kulakofsky, a local grocer who was a regular customer at the deli and is said to have inspired the creation of the sandwich.

Ingredients

2 slices of rye bread or pumpernickel
2 tsp of butter, at room temperature
2 tbsp of Reuben's Russian dressing
0.25 cup of well-drained, fresh-style sauerkraut
2 oz (57 g) of thinly sliced gruyère or Switzerland swiss cheese
0.25 lb (113 g) of thinly sliced corned beef

How to prepare

Evenly spread butter on one side of each slice of bread, all the way to the edges.
In a small cold skillet, place one slice of bread with the buttered side down. This will be the base of the sandwich.
Spread 1 tbsp of Russian dressing on the dry side of the bread.
Evenly distribute sauerkraut over the dressing.
Layer the cheese evenly over the sauerkraut, followed by the corned beef.
Spread another 1 tbsp of Russian dressing on the dry side of the second slice of bread. Place it on top of the corned beef with the dressing side down and the buttered side up.
Heat the skillet over medium-low heat and grill the sandwich slowly. Press down on it a few times using a wide metal spatula.
Grill until the bread is browned and crispy, then use the spatula to flip the sandwich over.
Place a plate or another small skillet on top of the sandwich to weigh it down. Add a weight, such as a 28 oz (794 g) can of tomatoes or any other canned good.
Continue grilling until the second side of the sandwich is browned and crispy. Briefly reheat the other side by flipping the sandwich over one more time.
Serve immediately.

Variations

Use rye bread instead of pumpernickel for a traditional Reuben sandwich.
Substitute pastrami for the corned beef for a different flavor profile.
Add a slice of tomato or avocado for a fresh twist on the classic sandwich.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to evenly spread the butter on the bread to ensure a crispy and golden-brown crust.

- Use a cold skillet to grill the sandwich slowly and evenly, allowing the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld together.

- Press down on the sandwich while grilling to help the ingredients stick together and create a cohesive sandwich.

- Serve the Reuben sandwich immediately after grilling to enjoy it at its best.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Reuben sandwich with a side of pickles, coleslaw, or potato chips for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Grill the sandwich slowly over medium-low heat to ensure that the cheese melts and the flavors meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use Thousand Island dressing instead of Russian dressing for a sweeter flavor.

- Substitute Swiss cheese with cheddar or provolone for a different taste.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the sandwich just before grilling to ensure that it is fresh and hot when served.

Presentation Ideas

Cut the Reuben sandwich in half diagonally and serve it on a plate with a side of pickles or coleslaw for a classic deli presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the Reuben sandwich with a cold beer or a glass of iced tea for a refreshing and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Reuben sandwich in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

The Reuben sandwich contains approximately 400 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

The Reuben sandwich contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

The Reuben sandwich contains approximately 20 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

The Reuben sandwich contains approximately 25 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

The Reuben sandwich is a good source of calcium, iron, and vitamin C.

Alergens

The Reuben sandwich contains gluten, dairy, and soy.

Summary

The Reuben sandwich is a hearty and satisfying meal that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for lunch or dinner.

Summary

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for a Reuben Sandwich. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl learning how to cook from my grandmother. She had received the recipe from a friend who had traveled to New York City and had fallen in love with the iconic sandwich.

I remember my grandmother showing me the list of ingredients and explaining how each one played a crucial role in creating the perfect Reuben. From the tangy sauerkraut to the savory corned beef, every component had to be just right to achieve that delicious balance of flavors.

As I watched my grandmother work her magic in the kitchen, I was mesmerized by her skill and attention to detail. She would meticulously layer the ingredients between slices of rye bread, making sure that everything was perfectly arranged before grilling the sandwich to golden perfection.

But it wasn't just the technique that impressed me – it was the story behind the recipe that truly captured my imagination. My grandmother told me about the history of the Reuben Sandwich, how it was created in a deli in New York City by a chef named Arnold Reuben. She shared with me the nostalgia and nostalgia of her friend's trip to the city, where she had indulged in this culinary delight and vowed to recreate it at home.

From that moment on, I was hooked. I watched my grandmother make Reuben Sandwiches time and time again, each one more delicious than the last. And eventually, I started to experiment with the recipe myself, adding my own little twists and tweaks to make it truly my own.

Over the years, I have continued to hone my skills and perfect my version of the Reuben Sandwich. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition that was passed down to me by my grandmother.

And now, as I sit here reminiscing about that fateful day when I first learned how to make a Reuben Sandwich, I can't help but feel grateful for the memories and the lessons that have been handed down through the generations. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with my past and honor the traditions that have shaped me into the cook I am today.

So the next time you bite into a perfectly grilled Reuben Sandwich, think about the history and the love that went into creating that delicious masterpiece. And remember that every recipe tells a story – a story that is worth sharing and passing on for generations to come.