Not only is the Reuben one of my favorite sandwiches, but it's also sort of magical, since it takes three ingredients I'm not wild about (corned beef, rye bread, and thousand island dressing) and turns them into deliciousness. But since I rarely eat thousand island dressing, it ends up spoiling every time I buy it to make Reubens. So to meet my latest craving for this classic sandwich, I altered the recipe slightly, replacing the dressing with spicy mustard and the corned beef with pastrami.
Pastrami is actually a variation on corned beef that involves smoking the meat. It's typically paired with mustard so this Reuben borrows flavors from two familiar sandwiches. Though I couldn't give up the sweet thousand island dressing forever, I must admit that this saltier Reuben was quite delectable. To get the recipe, read more.
Original recipe
Ingredients
2 slices of rye bread
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon spicy mustard
2 slices swiss cheese
3 slices pastrami
1/4 cup sauerkraut
Directions
- Butter one side of each piece of bread.
- On the other side of each slice, spread a liberal amount of spicy mustard.
- On the mustard-coated side of one slice, lay a slice of swiss cheese, followed by three slices of pastrami.
- Using a fork to drain off the liquid, distribute the sauerkraut evenly atop the meat.
- Top the sauerkraut with another slice of swiss, and lay the second slice of bread, mustard-side down, on top of the cheese.
- In a skillet over medium-low heat, grill the sandwich, turning once, until both sides are golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Slice in half and serve.
Makes 1 sandwich.
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Malene Birger
I love reubens, but I think I'll stick to the original recipe. I never use enough thousand island dressing to justify purchasing it, but I don't mind making my own.
1Oh my goodness that looks so delicious.
2Love this blog. Also check out http://whatshouldieatforlunch.blogspot.com/
3Yum! I'm drooling.
4looks tasty im starving
5I always ask for grainy mustard when I get reubens, and I add that. So the combo of thousand island, sauerkraut, swiss, and meat is awesome. Mustard is definitely lacking in the normal reuben imho
6Mmm. Sauerkraut.
7Sadly I hate both corned beef and pastrami enough to not enjoy a true reuben, but I usually substitute turkey and keep the 1000 island. And sauerkraut is my favorite thing ever...
8Yum! I love reubens!
9What happened to the 1000 Island??!!?? I knew I was pregnant when I ordered a reuben with extra 1000 Island for dipping. When I worked at Mr. Dunderbak's German Deli we made with the sauerkraut in the middle of the sandwich with corned beef on either side, and cheese on the outside of the meat. Delish!
10I dont usually have thousand island dressing either BUT i do have Ketchup sweet relish and mayo which taste the same as the dressing.
11Looks delicious!
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