Reuben sandwich facts for kids
A Reuben sandwich on rye bread
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| Course | Main course |
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| Place of origin | Omaha, Nebraska, U.S. |
| Created by | Reuben Kulakofsky |
| Main ingredients | Corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, Either Russian dressing, Thousand Island dressing, or possibly Dijon mustard if served on the west coast, and rye bread |
Imagine a warm, tasty sandwich packed with savory flavors! That's a Reuben sandwich. It's a popular hot sandwich made with delicious ingredients like thinly sliced corned beef, melted Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and a special creamy sauce called Russian or Thousand Island dressing. All these yummy fillings are piled high between slices of toasted rye bread.
Contents
What Makes a Reuben Sandwich?
A Reuben sandwich is famous for its unique mix of flavors and textures. It's a hot sandwich, meaning it's usually grilled or toasted until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
Key Ingredients of a Reuben
The main ingredients that make a Reuben special are:
- Corned Beef: This is beef that has been cured in a salty brine. It's usually sliced very thin.
- Swiss Cheese: A mild, nutty cheese known for its holes. It melts perfectly in the sandwich.
- Sauerkraut: This is finely shredded cabbage that has been fermented. It adds a tangy, slightly sour taste.
- Dressing: Most Reubens use Russian dressing or Thousand Island dressing. Both are creamy and a bit sweet with a tangy kick.
- Rye Bread: This dark, hearty bread is the traditional choice. It has a distinct flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
Who Invented the Reuben?
The exact story of who created the Reuben sandwich is a bit of a mystery, with a few different claims!
The Omaha Story
One popular story says the Reuben sandwich was invented in Omaha, Nebraska, in the 1920s. A man named Reuben Kulakofsky, a Jewish-Lithuanian grocer, supposedly created it. He was part of a weekly poker game at the Blackstone Hotel. One night, he asked for a sandwich with corned beef and sauerkraut. The hotel's chef, Bernard Schimmel, added Swiss cheese and Thousand Island dressing, then grilled it. The sandwich became a hit with the poker players.
The New York City Story
Another story gives credit to Arnold Reuben, the owner of Reuben's Delicatessen in New York City. He claimed to have invented the sandwich in 1914. However, this version of the story is less widely accepted by food historians.
How to Make a Reuben
Making a Reuben sandwich is quite simple! First, you butter two slices of rye bread. Then, you layer the corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut on one slice. A generous amount of dressing is spread on the other slice. The sandwich is then grilled or toasted until the cheese is bubbly and the bread is golden brown.
Images for kids
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Corned beef Reuben sandwich
See also
In Spanish: Sándwich Reuben para niños
