The enigma of the reuben: tracing the origins of a culinary masterpiece
What To Know
- From humble beginnings in a Nebraska grocery store to its iconic status in delis and restaurants across the country, the Reuben sandwich has earned its place in culinary history.
- The exact inventor of the Reuben sandwich is unknown, but Reuben Kulakofsky and Arnold Reuben are two of the most commonly credited individuals.
- The Arnold Reuben is a variation of the Reuben sandwich that uses thinly sliced corned beef and rye bread, and is served with Russian dressing.
The Reuben sandwich, an iconic delicacy beloved by sandwich enthusiasts, has long sparked curiosity about its peculiar name. Its origins, shrouded in culinary lore, have given rise to several compelling theories that seek to explain the genesis of its moniker.
The Reuben Kulakofsky Tale
One of the most widely accepted theories attributes the name to Reuben Kulakofsky, a Lithuanian grocer from Omaha, Nebraska. In the early 1920s, Kulakofsky’s wife, Rose, experimented with creating a sandwich for her husband’s poker buddies. She combined corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing on rye bread.
Reuben, impressed by the sandwich, suggested it be added to his grocery store‘s menu. It quickly gained popularity among customers and became known as the “Reuben’s Special.” Over time, the name was shortened to simply “Reuben.”
The Arnold Reuben Variation
Another theory suggests that the sandwich was named after Arnold Reuben, a New York City restaurateur. In the 1950s, Reuben modified the original recipe by adding rye bread and thinly slicing the corned beef. He also served the sandwich with a side of Russian dressing.
This variation became so popular that it is now commonly referred to as the “Arnold Reuben.” However, it is unclear whether Arnold Reuben originated the sandwich or simply popularized his own version.
The Nebraska Connection
Nebraska claims to be the birthplace of the Reuben sandwich, with several cities vying for the honor. Omaha, Lincoln, and Grand Island all have their own versions of the story involving local residents or establishments.
The Nebraska Legislature even declared the Reuben sandwich to be the state’s official sandwich in 2006. This recognition further solidified Nebraska’s connection to the iconic delicacy.
The German Influence
Some culinary historians believe that the Reuben sandwich has its roots in German cuisine. The combination of corned beef, sauerkraut, and rye bread resembles traditional German dishes such as sauerbraten and rye bread sandwiches.
It is possible that German immigrants brought their culinary traditions to Nebraska and influenced the creation of the Reuben sandwich.
The Jewish Heritage
Another theory suggests that the Reuben sandwich is a product of Jewish immigrants who settled in the Midwest. Corned beef, rye bread, and sauerkraut are all common ingredients in Jewish cuisine.
This theory is supported by the fact that many Jewish delis and restaurants in the Midwest serve variations of the Reuben sandwich.
The Culinary Enigma
Despite the numerous theories surrounding its origins, the true genesis of the Reuben sandwich remains a culinary enigma. It is a testament to the sandwich’s enduring popularity that its origins continue to be debated and celebrated.
The Enduring Legacy
Regardless of its exact origins, the Reuben sandwich has become a beloved American classic. Its combination of savory flavors and textures has captivated taste buds for generations.
From humble beginnings in a Nebraska grocery store to its iconic status in delis and restaurants across the country, the Reuben sandwich has earned its place in culinary history.
What You Need to Know
Q: Who invented the Reuben sandwich?
A: The exact inventor of the Reuben sandwich is unknown, but Reuben Kulakofsky and Arnold Reuben are two of the most commonly credited individuals.
Q: What is the difference between a Reuben and an Arnold Reuben?
A: The Arnold Reuben is a variation of the Reuben sandwich that uses thinly sliced corned beef and rye bread, and is served with Russian dressing.
Q: Is the Reuben sandwich a Nebraska state sandwich?
A: Yes, the Reuben sandwich is the official state sandwich of Nebraska.
Q: What are the key ingredients of a Reuben sandwich?
A: The classic Reuben sandwich includes corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing, and rye bread.
Q: Can I substitute other ingredients in a Reuben sandwich?
A: Yes, some variations may use pastrami or turkey instead of corned beef, or coleslaw instead of sauerkraut.