The Reuben sandwich is a beloved classic that has been satisfying the cravings of many for decades. This mouth-watering delight is a staple in many delis and restaurants, and its popularity can be attributed to the perfect combination of flavors and textures that it offers. But have you ever wondered what makes a traditional Reuben sandwich? In this article, we will delve into the history of the Reuben, its origins, and most importantly, its ingredients.
A Brief History of the Reuben
The Reuben sandwich has a rich history that dates back to the 1920s. The sandwich is named after Arnold Reuben, a German-American restaurateur who owned a deli in New York City. According to legend, Reuben created the sandwich as a way to serve his customers a hearty and filling meal that would keep them satisfied throughout the day. The original Reuben sandwich consisted of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing, all piled high on rye bread.
The Evolution of the Reuben
Over the years, the Reuben sandwich has undergone many transformations. Some variations include adding different types of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone, while others include adding sliced turkey or roast beef. However, the traditional Reuben remains the most popular and widely recognized version of the sandwich.
The Ingredients of a Traditional Reuben
So, what makes a traditional Reuben sandwich? The answer lies in the combination of four key ingredients: corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing, all piled high on rye bread.
Corned Beef: The Star of the Show
Corned beef is the star of the Reuben sandwich. Thinly sliced and tender, corned beef provides the perfect texture and flavor to the sandwich. Corned beef is made by soaking beef brisket in a brine solution, which gives it a distinctive flavor and texture.
What is Corned Beef?
Corned beef is a type of cured beef that is made by soaking beef brisket in a brine solution. The brine solution is typically made with salt, water, and spices, and it gives the beef a distinctive flavor and texture. Corned beef is often sliced thinly and served in sandwiches, salads, and other dishes.
Sauerkraut: The Tangy Twist
Sauerkraut is a tangy and flavorful ingredient that adds a unique twist to the Reuben sandwich. Made from fermented cabbage, sauerkraut provides a crunchy texture and a burst of flavor that complements the corned beef perfectly.
What is Sauerkraut?
Sauerkraut is a type of fermented cabbage that is made by allowing shredded cabbage to ferment in its own juices. The fermentation process gives sauerkraut a tangy flavor and a crunchy texture, making it a popular ingredient in many dishes.
Swiss Cheese: The Creamy Component
Swiss cheese is a creamy and nutty cheese that adds a rich and velvety texture to the Reuben sandwich. Thinly sliced and melted to perfection, Swiss cheese provides a smooth and creamy contrast to the crunchy sauerkraut and corned beef.
What is Swiss Cheese?
Swiss cheese is a type of nutty and creamy cheese that is made from cow’s milk. It is characterized by its distinctive holes and its rich, nutty flavor. Swiss cheese is often used in sandwiches, salads, and other dishes, where it adds a smooth and creamy texture.
Thousand Island Dressing: The Tasty Topping
Thousand Island dressing is a creamy and tangy condiment that adds a burst of flavor to the Reuben sandwich. Made with mayonnaise, ketchup, and relish, Thousand Island dressing provides a rich and creamy texture that complements the corned beef and sauerkraut perfectly.
What is Thousand Island Dressing?
Thousand Island dressing is a type of creamy and tangy condiment that is made with mayonnaise, ketchup, and relish. It is characterized by its rich and creamy texture, and its tangy flavor. Thousand Island dressing is often used in sandwiches, salads, and other dishes, where it adds a burst of flavor.
Rye Bread: The Perfect Base
Rye bread is the perfect base for the Reuben sandwich. Dense and chewy, rye bread provides a sturdy foundation for the corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing. Rye bread is often flavored with caraway seeds, which add a distinctive flavor and texture to the sandwich.
What is Rye Bread?
Rye bread is a type of dense and chewy bread that is made with rye flour. It is often flavored with caraway seeds, which add a distinctive flavor and texture to the bread. Rye bread is a popular ingredient in many sandwiches, where it provides a sturdy foundation for the filling.
Assembling the Perfect Reuben
Assembling the perfect Reuben sandwich is an art that requires patience and attention to detail. Here are a few tips to help you create the perfect Reuben:
- Start with thinly sliced corned beef. This will ensure that the beef is tender and easy to bite into.
- Add a generous helping of sauerkraut. This will provide a tangy and flavorful contrast to the corned beef.
- Add a slice or two of Swiss cheese. This will provide a creamy and nutty flavor to the sandwich.
- Spread a layer of Thousand Island dressing on top of the cheese. This will add a rich and creamy texture to the sandwich.
- Top with rye bread. This will provide a sturdy foundation for the filling.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to help you create the perfect Reuben sandwich:
- Use high-quality ingredients. This will ensure that the sandwich is flavorful and satisfying.
- Add some sliced turkey or roast beef to the sandwich. This will provide a hearty and filling meal.
- Use a different type of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone. This will add a unique flavor and texture to the sandwich.
- Add some sliced onions or bell peppers to the sandwich. This will provide a crunchy texture and a burst of flavor.
Conclusion
The Reuben sandwich is a classic delight that has been satisfying the cravings of many for decades. With its perfect combination of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing, all piled high on rye bread, the Reuben is a sandwich that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Whether you’re a fan of the traditional Reuben or you like to mix things up with different ingredients and variations, the Reuben is a sandwich that is sure to become a favorite.
What is a Reuben sandwich?
A Reuben sandwich is a classic American dish 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 creates a unique and delicious taste experience that has made the Reuben a beloved favorite among many food enthusiasts.
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 also credit Reuben Kulakofsky, a Lithuanian-American grocer, with inventing the sandwich. Regardless of its true origins, the Reuben has become a staple of American cuisine and is enjoyed by people all over the world.
What type of corned beef is best for a Reuben?
When it comes to making a Reuben sandwich, the type of corned beef used can greatly impact the overall flavor and texture. Thinly sliced, lean corned beef is generally considered the best option, as it provides a tender and flavorful base for the sandwich. Look for corned beef that is labeled as “flat cut” or “first cut,” as this will typically be the leanest and most tender.
Avoid using thick-cut or fatty corned beef, as this can make the sandwich feel heavy and greasy. Additionally, consider using a high-quality, house-cured corned beef for the best flavor. Some delis and restaurants also offer a “hand-carved” or “house-sliced” option, which can add an extra layer of flavor and texture to the sandwich.
What is the role of sauerkraut in a Reuben?
Sauerkraut plays a crucial role in the flavor and texture of a Reuben sandwich. The tangy, slightly sour taste of the sauerkraut helps to balance out the richness of the corned beef and cheese, while its crunchy texture adds a satisfying depth to the sandwich. Look for a high-quality, fresh sauerkraut that is made with real cabbage and contains no added preservatives.
When adding sauerkraut to a Reuben, be sure to drain off any excess liquid and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This will help to prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy or falling apart. Some recipes also call for caraway seeds or other spices to be added to the sauerkraut for extra flavor.
What type of cheese is best for a Reuben?
Swiss cheese is the traditional choice for a Reuben sandwich, and for good reason. The nutty, slightly sweet flavor of Swiss cheese complements the corned beef and sauerkraut perfectly, while its creamy texture helps to bind the sandwich together. Look for a high-quality, imported Swiss cheese for the best flavor.
Avoid using low-quality or processed Swiss cheese, as this can have a bland, artificial taste. Some recipes also call for other types of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone, but Swiss remains the classic choice. Consider using a combination of cheeses for a unique twist on the traditional Reuben.
What is Thousand Island dressing, and why is it used in a Reuben?
Thousand Island dressing is a creamy, tangy condiment that is traditionally used in Reuben sandwiches. The dressing is made with a combination of mayonnaise, ketchup, and relish, along with various spices and seasonings. The exact recipe for Thousand Island dressing can vary depending on the brand or recipe, but it typically has a smooth, creamy texture and a slightly sweet flavor.
Thousand Island dressing is used in a Reuben to add a rich, creamy element to the sandwich. The dressing helps to balance out the flavors of the corned beef and sauerkraut, while its tangy taste adds a nice depth to the sandwich. Some recipes also call for Russian dressing or other condiments, but Thousand Island remains the classic choice.
How do I assemble a Reuben sandwich?
Assembling a Reuben sandwich is a relatively simple process that requires a few key ingredients and some basic cooking skills. Start by buttering two slices of rye bread, then layer on the corned beef, sauerkraut, cheese, and Thousand Island dressing. Place the sandwich under the broiler or in a pan until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
Be sure to cook the sandwich over medium heat, as high heat can cause the cheese to melt too quickly or the bread to burn. Some recipes also call for the sandwich to be grilled or pan-fried, which can add a crispy texture to the bread. Regardless of the cooking method, be sure to cook the sandwich until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
Can I make variations on the classic Reuben?
While the classic Reuben recipe is a timeless favorite, there are many ways to make variations on the dish. Consider using different types of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone, or adding other ingredients like grilled onions or bell peppers. Some recipes also call for the use of pastrami or other cured meats instead of corned beef.
Another way to vary the Reuben is to use different types of bread, such as sourdough or ciabatta. Some recipes also call for the addition of spices or seasonings, such as caraway seeds or paprika. Regardless of the variation, be sure to keep the core ingredients of corned beef, sauerkraut, and cheese, as these are the elements that make the Reuben a classic.