The Reuben sandwich is a classic American sandwich made with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian or Thousand Island dressing on rye bread. Its origins are disputed, but it is believed to have originated in the US in the early 20th century. It can be found on deli and sandwich shop menus across the country and can easily be made at home with the right ingredients.
A Reuben sandwich is made with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian or Thousand Island dressing on rye bread. It is toasted or grilled and often served with a side of potato salad or French fries. There are many regional variations on the Reuben sandwich, although the description above is the standard.
The origins of the Reuben sandwich are murky, with many claims to its invention. However, it seems certain that it arose in the United States in the first decades of the 20th century and, by the 1930s, was well known. Many stories about the sandwich have its place of origin as Nebraska, though the specific restaurant or hotel that first served it is a matter of dispute.
An Omaha man, Reuben Kulakofsky, is said to have invented the sandwich in the 1920s to serve friends at weekly poker games. One version of this story has it that one of the regulars in these games owned a hotel, which became the first to offer customers the sandwich. The Reuben restaurant in Manhattan, New York, which closed in the 1960s, also claimed to have invented the Reuben.
Nowadays, the Reuben sandwich is ubiquitous on deli and sandwich shop menus. Variations may use rye bread instead of rye, pastrami or turkey instead of corned beef, and coleslaw instead of sauerkraut. The type of cheese included can also vary.
A Reuben is a quick and delicious meal to cook at home too: all you need are the right ingredients and you can substitute them according to your taste. Simply spread the Russian or Thousand Island dressing on two slices of bread, cover one side with thinly sliced cheese, add the sauerkraut and corned beef, or whatever meat you prefer, and toast the sandwich in butter until both the sides are gilded. Alternatively, you can bake your Reuben sandwich in a toaster oven or on the grill.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
