The Reuben -- piled high with corned beef,
Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut, slathered in creamy salad dressing
and served either warm or cold on sliced rye bread -- has long
been one of America's most popular sandwiches. In this version,
more modest amounts of corned beef and cheese are used. Havarti
cheese, which melts quickly, takes the place of Swiss; fresh
shredded cabbage replaces the sauerkraut, and the dressing is
a quickly assembled combo of sour cream, grated apple, horseradish
and caraway seeds. Once made, the sandwiches are wrapped in foil
and heated in the oven until hot.
Shades of Reuben Sandwiches
8 slices best-quality rye bread
8 ounces thinly sliced lean corned beef
6 ounces thinly sliced plain Havarti cheese
1/2 cup thinly sliced cabbage
Horseradish Sauce:
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup prepared horseradish
1/3 cup grated peeled Granny Smith apple
1/2 teaspoon crushed caraway seeds
- To prepare horseradish sauce: place sour
cream, horseradish, grated apple and caraway seeds in a small
mixing bowl and mix well to blend. If not using immediately,
cover and refrigerate. Sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead.
Serve cold or use as a spread for sandwiches.
- To assemble sandwiches: preheat oven to
375*F (190*C), adjusting rack to center position.
- Place 1 bread slice on a work surface
and top with one fourth of corned beef and one-fourth of cheese
slices. Spread 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons sauce over cheese. Top
with one-fourth of shredded cabbage. Top with another bread slice
and wrap tightly in aluminum foil. Repeat to make 3 more sandwiches.
- Bake until cheese melts and sandwiches
are hot, about 20 minutes; check after 15 minutes. When done
remove sandwiches from oven with potholders. Carefully open foil
wrappers and remove sandwiches. Slice sandwiches in half on diagonal
and serve hot, with pickles, tomatoes, and green onions, if desired.
Serves 4.