FAQ – Reuben Sandwich

Some of my recipe testers had questions on the Reuben Sandwich so I thought I would post an FAQ

Ques: Where do I get Rye Bread in Australia?

Ans: In Australia we can get it at Costco, Aldi, Coles, Woolies, and many of the European shops and green grocers. The light rye works well as do the more traditional.

Ques: You mention corned beef, silverside and corned silverside what is the difference?

Ans: In the US the used is called corned beef. In Australia it is called corned silverside, and often referred to by just silverside. Non corned silverside would not be appropriate, but the other 2 are interchangeable.

Ques: Can I just buy the sliced meat at the deli counter of my grocery shop?

Ans: You can, but the results will not be as good as cooking your own meat. Doing it in a crockpot is a simple operation. The deli counter meat that I have tried was sorely lacking in both the flavor and texture department.

Ques: Any special type of sauerkraut?

Ans: You would want to avoid the purple coloured one, and stick with the white. If you can find a fermented one all the better. I try to buy and imported one from the green-grocer.

Ques: What would be a good side dish with a Reuben Sandwich?

Ans: We have enjoyed ours with: French fries, canned beans, soup. You will probably be happy with any choice you make. An extra treat is a big crispy Kosher Dill pickle.

Ques: Swiss Cheese. I don’t live in the US and cannot find Swiss cheese, what can I use?
Ans: Swiss cheese is a generic term used in the US. It is a semi-hard light coloured cheese with a sharp, but  nutty taste; in most cases it will have holes in it. It is an Emmental cheese that is made in the US. It is my understanding (not positive about this) that if the cheese is called Swiss Emmental it has to be made in Switzerland. A similar cheese made in another country is often just called Emmental. A suitable substitute would be Jarlsberg.

Ques: Are you as handsome as your picture looks?

Ans: I use photoshop to tone down my good looks. If I used my real picture many men would be unhappy with their wives’ or girlfriends using my site.

Ques: What is in the Russian Dressing you use?
Ans: Mayonnaise and ketchup. In the video I used 2 tablespoons of mayo and 1 tablespoon of ketchup


Ques: Can I add some spices to the Russian Dressing?
Ans: It is your sandwich so you can if you want. But than you will not have the true taste experience of the Reuben as it was meant to be.  I'm a grandpa; I know these things.

Ques: Can I used canned corned beef?
Ans: You could, but I don't think you would appreciate the results as well as if you made your own. Short answer - No