Reuben Renaissance: Mastering the Art of the Perfect Reuben Sandwich
## The Reuben: A Sandwich Steeped in History and Flavor
The Reuben sandwich. Just the name conjures images of perfectly grilled rye bread, layers of savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy Swiss cheese, and a generous slathering of Russian or Thousand Island dressing. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that has captivated sandwich lovers for decades. But what makes a truly *great* Reuben? And how can you recreate that deli-quality experience in your own kitchen? This guide will take you on a journey to Reuben perfection, covering everything from ingredient selection to precise grilling techniques.
## Unlocking the Secrets to Reuben Perfection
The beauty of a Reuben lies in the harmonious balance of its components. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the overall experience. Let’s break down the anatomy of the perfect Reuben:
* **Bread:** The foundation of any great sandwich. For a Reuben, rye bread is non-negotiable. But not just any rye will do. Look for a marbled rye bread with a slightly sour flavor. The marbling indicates a good balance of dark and light rye flour, contributing to both flavor and texture. The bread should be sturdy enough to hold the fillings without falling apart, yet tender enough to bite through easily. A good sourdough rye is also an excellent choice.
* **Corned Beef:** The star of the show. The quality of your corned beef will directly impact the overall success of your Reuben. Opt for a high-quality, pre-cooked corned beef from a reputable butcher or deli. Look for a corned beef that is well-marbled with fat, as this will ensure a moist and flavorful sandwich. Avoid corned beef that is overly salty or dry. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even try making your own corned beef, but be prepared for a several-day curing process.
* **Sauerkraut:** The tangy counterpoint. Sauerkraut provides the necessary acidity to cut through the richness of the corned beef and cheese. Choose a sauerkraut that is naturally fermented and not overly vinegary. Drain the sauerkraut well before adding it to the sandwich to prevent it from becoming soggy. For an extra layer of flavor, consider using a sauerkraut with caraway seeds.
* **Swiss Cheese:** The melty glue. Swiss cheese adds a nutty, slightly sweet flavor and a creamy texture that binds all the other ingredients together. Emmentaler or Gruyère are excellent choices for a Reuben, as they melt beautifully and have a distinctive flavor. Avoid pre-shredded Swiss cheese, as it often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting properly. Buy a block of Swiss cheese and slice it thinly yourself.
* **Dressing:** The creamy binder. The dressing is what ties all the flavors together. Traditionally, Reubens are made with either Russian or Thousand Island dressing. Russian dressing is typically made with mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. Thousand Island dressing is similar, but it also includes sweet pickle relish and sometimes hard-boiled eggs. Choose whichever dressing you prefer, or even experiment with your own variations.
## Recipe: The Ultimate Reuben Sandwich
This recipe provides detailed instructions for creating a truly exceptional Reuben sandwich.
**Yields:** 1 sandwich
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 5-10 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 2 slices marbled rye bread
* 4-6 ounces cooked corned beef, thinly sliced
* 1/2 cup sauerkraut, well-drained
* 2 slices Swiss cheese
* 2-3 tablespoons Russian or Thousand Island dressing
* 2 tablespoons butter, softened
**Equipment:**
* Griddle or large skillet
* Spatula
* Small bowl
**Instructions**
**Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients**
* **Drain the Sauerkraut:** Place the sauerkraut in a fine-mesh sieve and press down with a spoon to remove as much excess liquid as possible. This will prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy.
* **Slice the Corned Beef:** If the corned beef is not already sliced, use a sharp knife or meat slicer to slice it thinly. Thin slices will make the sandwich easier to eat and will also help the corned beef to heat through evenly.
* **Slice the Swiss Cheese:** If you are using a block of Swiss cheese, slice it thinly into two slices.
* **Soften the Butter:** Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy spreading.
**Step 2: Assemble the Sandwich**
* **Spread the Dressing:** Spread Russian or Thousand Island dressing evenly on one slice of rye bread.
* **Layer the Corned Beef:** Arrange the sliced corned beef on top of the dressing, making sure to cover the entire slice of bread.
* **Add the Sauerkraut:** Spread the drained sauerkraut evenly over the corned beef.
* **Top with Cheese:** Place the two slices of Swiss cheese on top of the sauerkraut.
* **Top with Bread:** Place the second slice of rye bread on top of the cheese, butter-side up (see Step 3).
**Step 3: Grill the Sandwich**
* **Butter the Bread:** Spread the softened butter evenly on the outside of both slices of rye bread. This will help the sandwich to brown evenly and create a crispy crust.
* **Preheat the Griddle or Skillet:** Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat.
* **Grill the Sandwich:** Place the sandwich on the preheated griddle or skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
* **Press the Sandwich:** Use a spatula to gently press down on the sandwich while it is grilling. This will help to flatten the sandwich and ensure that all the ingredients are heated through evenly.
**Step 4: Serve and Enjoy**
* **Remove from Heat:** Once the sandwich is golden brown and the cheese is melted, remove it from the griddle or skillet.
* **Cut in Half:** Cut the sandwich in half diagonally with a sharp knife.
* **Serve Immediately:** Serve the Reuben sandwich immediately while it is still hot and the cheese is melted.
* **Optional Accompaniments:** Some people enjoy serving Reubens with a side of potato salad, coleslaw, or dill pickles.
## Variations and Customizations
The classic Reuben is a masterpiece in itself, but there’s always room for a little creativity. Here are some variations and customizations to try:
* **The Rachel:** Substitute turkey for the corned beef to create a Rachel sandwich. This is a popular variation that offers a lighter, leaner alternative to the traditional Reuben.
* **The Vegetarian Reuben:** Use marinated tempeh or grilled portobello mushrooms in place of the corned beef. This is a great option for vegetarians who want to enjoy the flavors of a Reuben without the meat. Use a vegan Swiss-style cheese alternative.
* **Spicy Reuben:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauerkraut or use a spicy Russian dressing for an extra kick.
* **Reuben Melt:** Use sourdough bread instead of rye and add a slice of bacon for a decadent twist.
* **Reuben Dip:** Combine chopped corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing in a baking dish and bake until bubbly. Serve with rye bread croutons for dipping.
* **Grilled Reuben Wrap:** Instead of bread, use a large flour tortilla. Fill with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and dressing. Roll tightly and grill until golden brown and crispy.
* **Homemade Russian Dressing:** Elevate your Reuben by making your own Russian dressing. Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, sweet pickle relish, finely chopped onion, and a dash of hot sauce.
## Tips for Reuben Success
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of your Reuben. Choose the best quality corned beef, Swiss cheese, and rye bread you can find.
* **Don’t Overfill the Sandwich:** Overfilling the sandwich will make it difficult to grill and eat. Use just enough filling to create a balanced and flavorful sandwich.
* **Drain the Sauerkraut Well:** Excess moisture from the sauerkraut can make the sandwich soggy. Drain the sauerkraut well before adding it to the sandwich.
* **Butter the Bread Generously:** Buttering the bread will help it to brown evenly and create a crispy crust.
* **Grill Over Medium Heat:** Grilling over medium heat will allow the cheese to melt and the bread to brown without burning.
* **Press the Sandwich While Grilling:** Pressing the sandwich while grilling will help to flatten it and ensure that all the ingredients are heated through evenly.
* **Serve Immediately:** Serve the Reuben sandwich immediately while it is still hot and the cheese is melted.
* **Use a Cast Iron Skillet:** Cast iron skillets retain heat well, resulting in a more evenly cooked and perfectly browned sandwich.
* **Experiment with Sauerkraut:** Try different varieties of sauerkraut, such as Bavarian sauerkraut or sauerkraut with caraway seeds, to add unique flavors to your Reuben.
* **Consider a Panini Press:** For a perfectly pressed and grilled Reuben, consider using a panini press.
## The History of the Reuben
The exact origins of the Reuben sandwich are debated, but it’s generally believed to have been created in the early 20th century. Two prominent theories exist:
* **Reuben Kulakofsky (Reuben’s Delicatessen, Omaha, Nebraska):** This theory attributes the sandwich’s creation to Reuben Kulakofsky, a Lithuanian-born grocer in Omaha. According to this account, Kulakofsky invented the sandwich around 1920 for his poker buddies at the Blackstone Hotel. The hotel’s owner, Charles Schimmel, was so impressed with the sandwich that he added it to the hotel’s menu.
* **Arnold Reuben (Reuben’s Restaurant, New York City):** The other theory credits Arnold Reuben, the owner of Reuben’s Restaurant in New York City. This version claims that a chorus girl named Marjorie Rambeau asked for a sandwich containing corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut around 1914. Reuben, inspired by her request, created the now-famous sandwich.
Regardless of its true origins, the Reuben has become a beloved American classic, enjoyed by millions around the world.
## Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Enhance your Reuben experience with thoughtful side dishes and drink pairings:
* **Classic Sides:** Potato salad, coleslaw, dill pickles, or potato chips are traditional accompaniments that complement the richness of the Reuben.
* **Soup:** A cup of creamy tomato soup or a hearty broth-based soup like beef barley can provide a comforting contrast to the sandwich.
* **Salads:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can offer a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the Reuben.
* **Drinks:**
* **Beer:** A crisp lager or a malty amber ale pairs well with the savory flavors of the Reuben.
* **Wine:** A dry Riesling or a Pinot Noir can also be a good match.
* **Cocktails:** A classic Manhattan or an Old Fashioned can provide a sophisticated accompaniment.
* **Non-Alcoholic:** Sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or a ginger ale can be a refreshing choice.
## Conclusion
The Reuben sandwich is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary experience. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, it’s a sandwich that satisfies both the palate and the soul. By following this guide and using high-quality ingredients, you can master the art of the perfect Reuben and enjoy this classic sandwich in the comfort of your own home. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the griddle, and get ready to embark on a Reuben Renaissance!