sandwich essentials: the ultimate classic ruben

How To Make sandwich essentials: the ultimate classic ruben

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  Step 1
  PREP/PREPARE
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  Step 2
  Although most Rubens are served today with thousand-island dressing, the original condiment was Russian dressing.
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  Step 3
  Most historical records support the fact that the first Rubens were served on marbled Jewish rye bread. If you cannot get marbled rye, regular rye is acceptable.
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  Step 4
  One of the mistakes making a Ruben is overstuffing it with corned beef. I have seen some sandwiches that are so thick, you cannot open your mouth wide enough to eat it. This classic Ruben is all about proper proportioning.
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  Step 5
  If you are looking to do this recipe from homemade ingredients, here are a few additional recipes to help you out: https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/side/vegetable/micro-fermenting-essentials-cabbage-to-sauerkraut.html?r=2 https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/sauce-spread/dressing/dressing-essentials-rumbustious-russian-dressing.html?r=1 https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/main-course/main-course-beef/excellent-corned-beef-in-seven-days.html#page1:comment2385411
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  Step 6
  Gather your Ingredients (mise en place).
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  Step 7
  THIRTY MINUTES BEFORE MAKING
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  Step 8
  Take the sauerkraut out of the fridge, and place in a strainer to thoroughly drain.
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  Step 9
  Chef’s Note: Nothing can ruin a good Ruben faster than a bunch of soggy sauerkraut… Drain that sauerkraut.
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  Step 10
  Place a rack in the middle position, and preheat the oven to 250f (120c).
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  Step 11
  Lay a piece of parchment paper on aluminum foil, and lay down two ounces of corned beef, and place two slices of Swiss cheese on top (per sandwich).
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  Step 12
  Lay another 2 ounces of corned beef on top.
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  Step 13
  Sprinkle with a few drops of water, cover, using another piece of parchment paper, and foil, and place into the preheated oven, until needed.
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  Step 14
  Chef’s Note: I slice my Ruben, so that each slice equals 1 ounce (30g).
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  Step 15
  Chef’s Note: This is my twist to a traditional Ruben. The most difficult thing for home chef’s is to find the exact temperature for their skillet, so that by the time the bread is toasted, the insides of the Ruben are warm with gooey melted cheese. Too hot, and the bread burns before the insides are warm; too cold, and the bread never gets the chance to properly brown. By preheating the corned beef with some of the cheese, the sandwich comes out perfect every time.
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  Step 16
  ASSEMBLING THE RUBEN
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  Step 17
  Brush the melted butter on one side of each of the slices of rye.
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  Step 18
  Take a cold pan, and place one slice of the bread, buttered-side down into the pan.
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  Step 19
  Chef’s Note: In the photos, I am making two sandwiches.
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  Step 20
  Brush half the Russian dressing on the bread.
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  Step 21
  Add a slice of Swiss cheese.
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  Step 22
  Add the drained sauerkraut.
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  Step 23
  Remove the corned beef from the oven, and place on top of the sauerkraut.
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  Step 24
  Add another piece of Swiss cheese, brush the unbuttered side of the second slice of bread with the remaining Russian dressing, and place on top.
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  Step 25
  Place the pan over a burner set to medium/medium-high heat, and cook until the bread is nicely browned, but not burned, about 3 – 4 minutes per side.
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  Step 26
  PLATE/PRESENT
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  Step 27
  Slice, and serve with some chips, and a dill pickle wedge. Enjoy.
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  Step 28
  Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
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