Reuben

Whats the shelf life of Reuben?

A Reuben sandwich typically consists of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing, all sandwiched between slices of rye bread. The shelf life of a prepared Reuben sandwich depends on various factors:

• Refrigeration: If the Reuben sandwich has been assembled and contains perishable ingredients like deli meat and cheese, it should be consumed within 3 to 4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C).
• Freezing: If you’re planning to store it for longer, you can freeze a Reuben sandwich. However, the texture of ingredients like sauerkraut might change upon thawing. It’s recommended to freeze the components separately and assemble the sandwich fresh when ready to eat. In the freezer, it can last around 1 to 2 months if properly stored in airtight, freezer-safe packaging.

Always assess the quality of the sandwich before consuming it after storage. If there’s any noticeable change in texture, smell, or taste, it’s better to discard it to avoid foodborne illness.

Info about Reuben

The Reuben sandwich is a classic American sandwich that’s become a staple in many delis and restaurants. Here’s an overview of this beloved creation:

Ingredients: The Reuben typically consists of layers of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing or Thousand Island dressing, all grilled between slices of rye bread. Some variations might include pastrami instead of corned beef or other types of cheese.

Origin: The exact origins of the Reuben sandwich are a bit debated, but it’s commonly believed to have been invented in the early 20th century. One popular story credits its creation to Arnold Reuben, a New York City deli owner, while others attribute it to other individuals in Omaha, Nebraska. Regardless of its origin, it quickly gained popularity across the United States.

Assembly and Grilling: Making a Reuben involves layering the ingredients between slices of rye bread, typically with Russian or Thousand Island dressing spread on the bread. The sandwich is then grilled or toasted, allowing the flavors to meld together and the cheese to melt.

Variations: While the classic Reuben includes the standard ingredients mentioned above, there are variations based on personal preferences or regional differences. Some versions might include variations in the dressing used or swapping the type of meat or cheese.

Serving: The Reuben is often served hot and crispy from grilling, showcasing the melted cheese, flavorful meat, tangy sauerkraut, and dressing. It’s commonly served alongside pickles, coleslaw, or potato chips as a classic deli-style meal.

The Reuben sandwich’s combination of savory meat, melted cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy dressing, all enclosed in grilled rye bread, creates a satisfying and flavorful experience that has stood the test of time in American culinary culture.

How to make Reuben

Ingredients:

• 8 slices of rye bread
• 1/2 lb (about 225g) thinly sliced corned beef or pastrami
• 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
• 8 slices Swiss cheese
• 1/2 cup Russian dressing or Thousand Island dressing
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients:
   • Drain the sauerkraut well to remove excess liquid. Slice the Swiss cheese, and if needed, warm or heat the corned beef or pastrami.
2. Spread Dressing:
   • Lay out the slices of rye bread. Spread Russian or Thousand Island dressing on one side of each slice.
3. Assemble Sandwiches:
   • On four slices of bread (dressing side up), layer the corned beef or pastrami, followed by Swiss cheese slices, and then sauerkraut. Top with the remaining slices of bread (dressing side down) to create sandwiches.
4. Grill the Sandwiches:
   • Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Spread softened butter on the outer side of each sandwich.
5. Cook the Reubens:
   • Place the assembled sandwiches onto the heated skillet or griddle. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread turns golden brown and the cheese melts, pressing the sandwiches lightly with a spatula while cooking to compress them.
6. Serve:
   • Once both sides are golden and the cheese is melted, remove the sandwiches from the skillet. Cut each sandwich in half diagonally if desired, and serve warm.
7. Optional: Serve the Reuben sandwiches with a side of pickles, coleslaw, potato chips, or a deli-style pickle spear for a classic deli experience.

This recipe creates a deliciously layered and grilled Reuben sandwich with the perfect combination of flavors from the corned beef (or pastrami), Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and dressing, all nestled between slices of rye bread. Adjust the ingredients or dressing amounts according to your taste preferences for a personalized touch!