Since I have been craving some hot sandwiches, John recommended that we try Reubens. Then he told me that sauerkraut was involved and I got worried. The smell of sauerkraut is kind of intimidating. Then I tried it out of the jar and it wasn’t too good. John just spoons it out throws it on a hot dog and i’m just like ‘wow’.
I have also never tried pastrami before so this definitely was a whole group of new flavors. I like trying unfamiliar foods though so I decided to keep my mind open. The sauerkraut tasted a lot better after it had been drained and sauteed. It was actually really tasty on the sandwich since the dressing, rye, cheese, and meat were enhanced by its flavor. So, I will be using kraut again on reuben sandwiches for sure–but hot dogs? Noo way.
Reuben Sandwich
(Makes 1 Sandwich)
Printable Version
Ingredients:
- 2 slices rye bread
- 1 tbsp butter
- Swiss cheese, sliced
- Pastrami*
- 1/3 cup sauerkraut, drained
- Russian dressing (recipe follows)
Directions:
- Butter the outside of the bread lightly and grease the pan with a little butter.
- Place the cheese on one slice of bread followed by the pastrami and the second slice of bread.
- Grill the sandwich in a pan until the cheese has melted.
- Set the sandwich aside and saute the sauerkraut to warm it.
- Add the sauerkraut and spread the dressing on one side of the bread.
*I would recommend getting the nice quality pastrami, or corned beef, from the deli. Like most cold cuts, pre-packaged meat won’t have the same kind of flavor.
Russian Dressing
(makes 1 cup)
Printable Version
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp horse radish
- squeeze of lemon
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Mix all together.
What can I say, I’m a Pole and grew up eating Kraut. I don’t even need it on dogs; I can and do eat it straight out of the jar!