The Reuben sandwich: a culinary icon. Just the name conjures up images of grilled rye bread, tangy sauerkraut, savory corned beef, creamy Swiss cheese, and a secret ingredient – Russian or Thousand Island dressing. But a question often arises, debated with the passion of a political argument: Does a Reuben have coleslaw? The short answer is no, but the long answer, as you might expect, is far more nuanced and delves into the history, regional variations, and personal preferences that shape our love for this classic sandwich.
The Anatomy of a “True” Reuben: Deconstructing the Icon
Before we can definitively answer the coleslaw question, we must first establish what constitutes a “true” or traditional Reuben. While definitions can be fluid, especially in the world of food, certain core elements remain consistent.
The Quintessential Ingredients
The foundation of any Reuben is, without question, rye bread. Not just any rye, mind you, but a good, sturdy rye, preferably marbled, capable of withstanding the juicy onslaught of the ingredients it will hold. Next comes the corned beef, thinly sliced and boasting a rich, salty flavor that’s been slow-cured to perfection. Layered generously atop the corned beef is sauerkraut, fermented cabbage that provides a crucial tangy counterpoint to the richness of the meat and cheese. The cheese is almost always Swiss, its nutty, slightly sweet flavor melting beautifully and binding the sandwich together. Finally, the condiment: Russian dressing or Thousand Island dressing, both offering a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet counterpoint to the other savory elements. These dressings are not identical, but their function in the sandwich is largely the same.
The Grilling Process: Achieving Melty Perfection
A Reuben is not simply assembled; it’s crafted. The layers are carefully constructed, and the entire sandwich is then grilled or griddled, often with butter or oil, until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and gooey. This process is critical to the Reuben experience. The warmth melds the flavors, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that’s far greater than the sum of its parts.
Coleslaw Confusion: Why the Debate?
So, if the traditional Reuben omits coleslaw, why does the question even arise? There are several factors at play.
Regional Variations and Restaurant Interpretations
While the classic Reuben recipe is fairly well-defined, regional variations and individual restaurants often take liberties with the formula. Some establishments might add coleslaw as a topping, either inside the sandwich or as a side dish. This is particularly common in areas where coleslaw is a popular accompaniment to other sandwiches, such as barbecue or deli creations. These variations are not inherently “wrong,” but they do stray from the traditional definition of a Reuben. They represent adaptations and interpretations of the classic, catering to local tastes or attempting to create a unique signature dish.
Similar Sandwiches: The Rachel and Beyond
The Reuben has spawned numerous variations, some of which incorporate elements that are not traditionally found in the original. The most notable of these is the Rachel sandwich, which substitutes pastrami or turkey for corned beef and coleslaw for sauerkraut. The Rachel is often considered a close cousin of the Reuben, sharing many of its core elements but differing in key ingredients. The existence of sandwiches like the Rachel blurs the lines and can lead to confusion about what constitutes a “true” Reuben. Other variations might include different types of cheese, alternative dressings, or the addition of other toppings like pickles or peppers. These experiments are part of the evolution of food, but they also contribute to the ongoing debate about the proper composition of a Reuben.
Personal Preference and Culinary Creativity
Ultimately, taste is subjective. Some people might simply prefer the addition of coleslaw to their Reuben, regardless of what the “traditional” recipe dictates. They might enjoy the added crunch and coolness that coleslaw provides, finding it a refreshing contrast to the richness of the other ingredients. Culinary creativity is also a factor. Chefs and home cooks alike are constantly experimenting with new flavors and combinations, and the Reuben is a popular target for innovation. While some purists might balk at the idea of altering a classic, others embrace the opportunity to create something new and exciting.
Coleslaw’s Role: Complement or Competition?
The key question is whether coleslaw complements or competes with the other flavors in a Reuben.
Texture and Taste Considerations
The traditional Reuben already offers a complex interplay of textures and tastes. The soft, yielding corned beef contrasts with the slight crunch of the sauerkraut and the crispy grilled bread. The creamy dressing balances the tanginess of the sauerkraut and the saltiness of the corned beef. Adding coleslaw introduces another layer of crunch and a potentially different flavor profile, depending on the coleslaw recipe. A sweet coleslaw, for example, might clash with the other flavors, while a tangy coleslaw might complement them. However, many argue that the sauerkraut already provides the necessary crunch and tang, making coleslaw redundant or even overwhelming.
Balancing Flavors and Preventing Overload
One of the hallmarks of a well-made Reuben is its balance. The flavors should complement each other, creating a harmonious whole. Adding too many ingredients can disrupt this balance, resulting in a sandwich that’s overwhelming or muddled. Coleslaw, with its distinct flavor and texture, has the potential to throw off this delicate balance. It’s important to consider how the coleslaw will interact with the other ingredients and whether it will enhance or detract from the overall experience.
Conclusion: The Reuben Remains a Classic
So, to definitively answer the question: a traditional Reuben does not include coleslaw. Its core components are rye bread, corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian or Thousand Island dressing. However, culinary landscapes evolve, and variations abound. If you encounter a Reuben with coleslaw, it’s not necessarily “wrong,” but it’s a departure from the classic recipe.
Ultimately, the best Reuben is the one you enjoy the most. Whether you’re a purist who adheres strictly to the traditional recipe or an adventurous eater who embraces experimentation, the Reuben sandwich offers a delicious and satisfying experience. The debate over coleslaw is just one small part of the ongoing conversation about food and flavor, and it highlights the personal and cultural factors that shape our culinary preferences.
What are the core ingredients of a classic Reuben sandwich?
The foundation of a traditional Reuben rests on just a few crucial elements. First, you need thinly sliced corned beef, offering a savory and slightly salty taste. This is layered onto rye bread, ideally a marbled variety, which provides a distinct flavor and satisfying chew. These core ingredients are critical for establishing the Reuben’s basic identity.
Beyond the meat and bread, a true Reuben requires Swiss cheese, which melts beautifully and imparts a nutty, mild taste. Next, sauerkraut is essential, adding a tangy, fermented counterpoint to the richness of the other ingredients. Finally, Russian dressing (or sometimes Thousand Island dressing) is spread generously, contributing a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet element that ties everything together. These elements combine to create the unforgettable Reuben experience.
Is coleslaw a common or accepted ingredient in a Reuben sandwich?
Coleslaw is generally not considered a traditional or standard ingredient in a classic Reuben sandwich recipe. The Reuben’s identity is firmly rooted in the specific flavors and textures provided by its core components: corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, Russian/Thousand Island dressing, and rye bread. Adding coleslaw would drastically alter the intended flavor profile.
While some variations or modern interpretations of the Reuben might incorporate coleslaw, especially in regional or restaurant-specific recipes, this addition is definitely not the norm. Purists would argue that including coleslaw fundamentally changes the sandwich, moving it away from the authentic Reuben experience. It’s important to understand that coleslaw as an ingredient indicates a significant deviation from the established, widely recognized Reuben definition.
What distinguishes a Reuben from a Rachel sandwich?
The primary distinction between a Reuben and a Rachel sandwich lies in the type of meat used. A Reuben invariably uses corned beef, which has been salt-cured and then brined, giving it a characteristic flavor and reddish color. This corned beef is the defining element of the Reuben, providing its signature savory and slightly salty taste.
In contrast, a Rachel sandwich substitutes the corned beef with pastrami or turkey. Pastrami, like corned beef, is also cured and smoked, offering a distinct peppery and smoky flavor. Turkey provides a leaner and milder alternative. The choice of meat dramatically changes the overall flavor profile, leading to two distinct sandwiches within the same family.
Why is sauerkraut such an important component of a Reuben?
Sauerkraut is a crucial ingredient in a Reuben because it provides a vital counterpoint to the richness and fattiness of the corned beef and Swiss cheese. Its tangy, fermented flavor profile cuts through the heaviness, preventing the sandwich from becoming overwhelming and adding a refreshing brightness. This acidity is essential for balancing the overall taste.
Furthermore, sauerkraut offers a unique textural element to the Reuben. Its slightly crunchy and stringy consistency complements the tenderness of the corned beef and the creamy melted cheese, adding another layer of complexity to the sandwich experience. Without sauerkraut, the Reuben would lack a key component that defines its signature flavor and texture profile.
What is the difference between Russian dressing and Thousand Island dressing, and which is more authentic for a Reuben?
While both Russian dressing and Thousand Island dressing share a creamy base and tangy flavor profile, they differ slightly in their ingredients and overall taste. Russian dressing typically includes mayonnaise, chili sauce, horseradish, and other spices for a more pronounced spicy and tangy flavor. Thousand Island dressing, on the other hand, generally contains mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, and sometimes hard-boiled eggs.
Although both can be used in a Reuben, Russian dressing is often considered the more traditional and authentic choice. Its bolder flavor profile complements the other strong flavors in the sandwich, such as the corned beef and sauerkraut, more effectively. Thousand Island dressing, with its sweeter and milder taste, can be a suitable substitute, but it alters the overall flavor profile slightly.
What type of bread is best suited for a Reuben sandwich?
Rye bread, particularly marbled rye, is the undisputed choice for a classic Reuben sandwich. The rye flour provides a distinct earthy and slightly sour flavor that complements the corned beef, sauerkraut, and other ingredients. Marbling, which incorporates light and dark rye dough, adds visual appeal and a slightly varied texture.
The texture of rye bread is also ideal for a Reuben. It’s sturdy enough to hold the fillings without becoming soggy, yet still tender enough to be easily bitten through. The bread’s slightly chewy quality adds another layer of satisfaction to the overall eating experience, making it an essential component of a well-constructed Reuben.
Can a Reuben be vegetarian or vegan, and what substitutions are used?
Yes, vegetarian and vegan versions of the Reuben sandwich are possible and relatively common. The key to these variations lies in substituting the corned beef with a suitable plant-based alternative that can mimic its flavor and texture. Common substitutes include marinated and grilled portobello mushrooms, tempeh, or commercially available vegan deli slices.
For a vegetarian Reuben, Swiss cheese can be replaced with a vegetarian-friendly alternative. For a vegan Reuben, the cheese can be replaced with a vegan cheese alternative made from nuts, soy, or other plant-based sources. The Russian dressing can also be adapted by using vegan mayonnaise and ensuring that all other ingredients are plant-based. The rye bread and sauerkraut remain essential elements, regardless of the dietary restrictions.