Discover how to make the legendary Reuben Sandwich, complete with succulent corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss on rye bread.

The Reuben Sandwich Origin Story

Ever wondered where the good ol' Reuben sandwich came from? Let me take you on a stroll down memory lane. Picture it: New York City, early 20th century. Two contenders duking it out for the title of Reuben creator 😏. Some say it was Reuben Kulakofsky, a grocer from Nebraska, who whipped up this deli delight during a poker game. Others swear it was Arnold Reuben, the owner of Reuben's Delicatessen in NYC. Quite the pickle, huh?

Contender Number One: The Grocer's Tale

A buddy of mine, who's somewhat of a history buff, insists that Kulakofsky's the man. It's said during a high stakes poker game, hunger struck and Kulakofsky, being the resourceful fella he was, threw together some rye bread, corned beef, swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing. The rest, as they say, is sandwich history.

Contender Number Two: The Deli Owner's Story

On the flip side, there's team Arnold Reuben. The legend goes, an actress popped into Reuben's Delicatessen one night, famished from a long rehearsal. Reuben, ever the gentleman, created a special sandwich just for her. Combining corned beef, grilled sauerkraut, swiss cheese, and Russian dressing, he presented the first Reuben sandwich to the world. Or so they say...

What Exactly Goes Into A Reuben

Alright folks, let's talk ingredients. The Reuben sandwich isn't just a slapdash of whatever's in the fridge. No sir, it's a carefully curated masterpiece. Here's the scoop on what makes a Reuben a Reuben:

  • Freshly sliced corned beef – the heart and soul of the sandwich
  • Sauerkraut – for that tangy kick
  • Swiss cheese – gooey, melty, dreamy
  • Russian dressing – the saucy secret weapon
  • Rye bread – sturdy enough to hold this tower of deliciousness together

Each ingredient plays a critical role, folks, and skipping one is like forgetting the punchline to a joke. It's just not the same.

The Art Of Crafting The Perfect Reuben

Now let me tell you, making a Reuben isn't rocket science, but it does require some finesse. Here's a step-by-step guide to making your mouth water:

  1. Grab two slices of rye bread; this is your canvas.
  2. Slather on that Russian dressing like you're painting the Sistine Chapel.
  3. Pile on the corned beef, then the sauerkraut, and crown it with swiss cheese.
  4. Top it off with the second slice of bread, completing your masterpiece.
  5. Butter the outside of your sandwich and cook it on a skillet till it's golden brown and the cheese is oh-so melty.

This, my friends, is how you create a sandwich that'll make your taste buds do the jitterbug 🥪.

Pairing Your Reuben With The Right Sides

Now, what's a Reuben without its trusty sidekicks? You need the right ensemble to complement the main act. Here's the lineup of sides that'll elevate your Reuben experience:

Potato Salad: The Classic Partner

No surprise here, potato salad and Reuben sandwiches go together like peanut butter and jelly. It's the yin to the Reuben's yang, the Batman to its Robin.

Cozy Cup of Soup: The Comforting Companion

On a chilly day, nothing beats dunking your Reuben into a warm cup of tomato soup. It's like a hug for your stomach, really.

Pickles: The Crunchy Contrast

And let's not forget a crispy pickle. It's the zesty, crunchy sidekick that cuts through the richness of the Reuben like a champ.

The Debate Rye Vs Sourdough

Let's not skirt around the elephant in the room. Some purists argue that it ain't a Reuben if it's not on rye. But there's a rebel camp that swears by sourdough. Who's right? Well, rye bread brings a unique flavor that complements the corned beef and sauerkraut to perfection. On the other hand, sourdough adds a tangy twist that some folks can't get enough of 🍞. The verdict? It's your sandwich, your rules. But for me, rye is king.

Vegetarian Reuben Twists To Try

So what if you're a veggie lover? Does that mean you miss out on the Reuben fun? Heck no! Here are some veggie twists that'll keep your taste buds in the loop:

Tempeh Reuben
- Swap the corned beef for marinated tempeh. You'll be pleasantly surprised.
Mushroom Reuben
- Thick slices of grilled portobello mushrooms make for a meaty alternative.
Zucchini Reuben
- Thinly sliced, seasoned zucchini brings a light, fresh take to the classic.

Playing around with these alternatives not only adds variety but might just open your eyes to a whole new world of flavors 🌱.