The Reuben sandwich is a beloved dish that has been a staple of Jewish delis for decades. Its origins are often attributed to Arnold Reuben, a German-American restaurateur who allegedly created the dish in the early 20th century. However, the most famous version of the Reuben sandwich is undoubtedly the one served at Katz’s Delicatessen in New York City. In this article, we will delve into the history of the Reuben sandwich, its ingredients, and what makes the Katz’s Reuben so special.
A Brief History of the Reuben Sandwich
The Reuben sandwich has a disputed history, with several restaurants and individuals claiming to have invented it. One story behind the Reuben’s creation dates back to the 1920s, when Arnold Reuben, the owner of Reuben’s Delicatessen in New York City, created the dish as a specialty sandwich for his restaurant. According to this story, Reuben’s original recipe consisted of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing, grilled between slices of rye bread.
However, another story suggests that the Reuben sandwich was actually created by Reuben Kulakofsky, a Lithuanian-born grocer who lived in Omaha, Nebraska. According to this story, Kulakofsky created the Reuben as a way to use up leftover corned beef and sauerkraut, and the dish quickly became a hit with his friends and family.
Regardless of its true origins, the Reuben sandwich gained popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly in Jewish delis and restaurants. Its combination of savory meats, tangy sauerkraut, and melted cheese made it a beloved dish among locals and visitors alike.
The Katz’s Reuben: A New York City Institution
Katz’s Delicatessen, located on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, has been serving up classic Jewish dishes since 1888. The restaurant’s Reuben sandwich is arguably its most famous dish, and it’s a must-try for anyone visiting New York City.
So, what’s in a Katz’s Reuben? The answer is simple yet delicious:
- Thinly sliced corned beef
- Sauerkraut
- Melted Swiss cheese
- Thousand Island dressing
- Grilled on rye bread
The key to Katz’s Reuben is the quality of its ingredients. The corned beef is slow-cooked in-house, and the sauerkraut is made with a special recipe that involves caraway seeds and a touch of sugar. The Swiss cheese is melted to perfection, and the Thousand Island dressing adds a tangy, creamy element to the dish.
The Corned Beef: A Katz’s Specialty
Katz’s corned beef is a specialty of the house, and it’s what sets their Reuben apart from other versions. The beef is slow-cooked in a special blend of spices and herbs, which gives it a tender, flavorful texture. The corned beef is then sliced thin and piled high on the Reuben sandwich.
The Sauerkraut: A Tangy, Crunchy Element
The sauerkraut in a Katz’s Reuben is made with a special recipe that involves caraway seeds and a touch of sugar. The sauerkraut is tangy and crunchy, and it adds a nice texture to the dish. Katz’s sauerkraut is made in-house, and it’s a key component of the Reuben sandwich.
The Cheese: A Melted, Gooey Delight
The Swiss cheese in a Katz’s Reuben is melted to perfection, and it adds a creamy, gooey element to the dish. The cheese is melted in a special toaster that’s designed specifically for the Reuben sandwich.
The Dressing: A Tangy, Creamy Element
The Thousand Island dressing in a Katz’s Reuben is a tangy, creamy element that adds a nice flavor to the dish. The dressing is made with a special recipe that involves mayonnaise, ketchup, and relish.
How to Make a Katz’s-Style Reuben at Home
While it’s impossible to exactly replicate the Katz’s Reuben at home, you can make a delicious version using the following ingredients:
- 1 pound corned beef
- 1 cup sauerkraut
- 2 slices Swiss cheese
- 2 tablespoons Thousand Island dressing
- 4 slices rye bread
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
To make the Reuben, simply grill the corned beef and sauerkraut in a pan until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted. Spread the Thousand Island dressing on the bread, and assemble the sandwich.
Tips for Making a Great Reuben
- Use high-quality ingredients, including slow-cooked corned beef and tangy sauerkraut.
- Melt the cheese to perfection using a toaster or a pan.
- Use a special recipe for the Thousand Island dressing, including mayonnaise, ketchup, and relish.
- Grill the sandwich until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
Conclusion
The Reuben sandwich is a beloved dish that has been a staple of Jewish delis for decades. The Katz’s Reuben is arguably the most famous version of the dish, and it’s a must-try for anyone visiting New York City. With its combination of savory meats, tangy sauerkraut, and melted cheese, the Reuben is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Whether you’re a native New Yorker or just visiting the city, the Katz’s Reuben is a culinary experience you won’t want to miss. So next time you’re in the neighborhood, be sure to stop by Katz’s Delicatessen and try a Reuben for yourself. Your taste buds will thank you!
| Ingredient | Description |
|---|---|
| Corned Beef | Thinly sliced, slow-cooked corned beef |
| Sauerkraut | Tangy, crunchy sauerkraut made with caraway seeds and a touch of sugar |
| Swiss Cheese | Melted Swiss cheese |
| Thousand Island Dressing | Tangy, creamy Thousand Island dressing made with mayonnaise, ketchup, and relish |
| Rye Bread | Grilled rye bread |
Note: The table above lists the ingredients of a classic Katz’s Reuben sandwich.
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 has made it a beloved dish around the world.
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, some sources suggest that the sandwich may have been invented by Reuben Kulakofsky, a Lithuanian-American grocer who lived in Omaha, Nebraska.
What is the history of the Reuben sandwich at Katz’s Delicatessen?
Katz’s Delicatessen, a famous Jewish deli in New York City, has been serving Reuben sandwiches since the 1920s. According to the deli’s website, the Reuben sandwich was added to the menu in 1928, and it quickly became a customer favorite.
Over the years, Katz’s Delicatessen has perfected its Reuben sandwich recipe, using only the highest-quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods. The deli’s Reuben sandwich has been featured in numerous food publications and has been named one of the best sandwiches in New York City.
What makes Katz’s Delicatessen’s Reuben sandwich unique?
Katz’s Delicatessen’s Reuben sandwich is unique because of the deli’s commitment to using only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. The corned beef is made in-house, and the sauerkraut is sourced from a local supplier. The Swiss cheese is melted to perfection, and the Thousand Island dressing is made with a secret recipe.
The deli’s Reuben sandwich is also unique because of its traditional cooking methods. The sandwich is grilled on a flat-top grill, which gives the bread a crispy crust and the filling a melted, gooey texture. The sandwich is served hot, straight from the grill, and it’s often served with a side of pickles or coleslaw.
Can I customize my Reuben sandwich at Katz’s Delicatessen?
Yes, you can customize your Reuben sandwich at Katz’s Delicatessen. While the deli’s traditional Reuben sandwich recipe is a customer favorite, some customers may prefer to make modifications to suit their tastes. For example, you can ask for no sauerkraut or no Thousand Island dressing.
You can also ask for additional ingredients, such as grilled onions or bell peppers. However, it’s worth noting that the deli’s traditional Reuben sandwich recipe is a classic for a reason, and many customers prefer to stick with the original ingredients.
Is Katz’s Delicatessen’s Reuben sandwich gluten-free?
No, Katz’s Delicatessen’s Reuben sandwich is not gluten-free. The sandwich is made with traditional rye bread, which contains gluten. However, the deli does offer gluten-free options, such as gluten-free bread or a gluten-free wrap.
If you have a gluten intolerance or sensitivity, you can ask your server about gluten-free options. However, please note that the deli’s kitchen is not gluten-free, and there may be a risk of cross-contamination.
Can I order Katz’s Delicatessen’s Reuben sandwich for delivery or takeout?
Yes, you can order Katz’s Delicatessen’s Reuben sandwich for delivery or takeout. The deli offers delivery and takeout services through its website and through third-party delivery apps.
You can also order the Reuben sandwich for catering, which is perfect for events or parties. The deli’s catering menu includes a variety of options, including the Reuben sandwich, as well as other classic deli dishes.
Has Katz’s Delicatessen’s Reuben sandwich been featured in any movies or TV shows?
Yes, Katz’s Delicatessen’s Reuben sandwich has been featured in several movies and TV shows. One of the most famous scenes is from the movie “When Harry Met Sally,” in which the characters played by Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan have a memorable lunch at Katz’s Delicatessen.
The deli’s Reuben sandwich has also been featured in other movies and TV shows, including “Seinfeld,” “The Sopranos,” and “Man v. Food.” The deli’s iconic status and classic dishes have made it a popular filming location for many productions.