Reuben Sandwich

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The deli classic is a cinch to make at home. You’ll want one every Sunday!

Serves 4

Ingredients

4 tablespoons butter
8 slices pumpernickel
½ lb Swiss cheese (optional)
Russian dressing

1 lb thin-sliced pastrami or corned beef
3 tablespoons water
½ tsp paprika
½ lb sauerkraut

Instructions

  1. Put the pastrami or corned beef into a covered skillet or large saucepan. Add the water, and sprinkle in the paprika. On medium high heat, stir and combine, separating the slices of meat as you do so.
  2. When the water is near boiling, cover tightly, turn heat to low, and allow to steam and render while you prepare the other ingredients.
  3. In a small saucepan, heat the sauerkraut over medium low heat.
  4. Heat the oven to 200° F. In a fry pan or skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat until sizzling. Add 2 slices of bread and fry until lightly toasted on one side. Remove bread to a plate and into the oven; repeat with the remaining slices of bread.
  5. When everything is nice and hot, and the meat has rendered most of its fat, make the sandwiches. Spread Russian dressing on the untoasted side of two slices of bread, to taste. Top one of them with slices of cheese (if using). With tongs, lift one-quarter of the meat from its skillet, let it drain thoroughly and place on top of the cheese. Again with tongs, take one quarter of the sauerkraut, drain, and place on top of the meat. Close up the sandwich with the other slice of bread. Repeat with other sandwiches.
  6. Slice in half, and serve with dill pickles.

My husband says: this is a very idiosyncratic recipe. I’ve never heard of anyone using paprika before, but I like the zing and color that it adds. A classic Reuben is made with corned beef, but we prefer pastrami; the guy at my deli counter asks whether I want “the healthy kind or the good kind”. Your choice, but you can guess which way we go. Most recipes assemble the sandwich first and then fry it. I find this way easier; if it’s not warm enough for you when you’re done, a quick spin in the microwave or oven will fix that. Of course, the cheese is completely treyf, and strictly for goyim!