The Reuben sandwich. Just the name conjures images of tangy sauerkraut, tender corned beef, melted Swiss cheese, and creamy Russian dressing, all nestled between slices of grilled rye bread. It’s a culinary masterpiece, a symphony of flavors and textures that dances on the palate. But even the greatest solo performer needs a supporting act. So, what side dish elevates the Reuben experience from merely delicious to utterly unforgettable? Let’s embark on a delicious journey to discover the best sidekicks for this iconic sandwich.
The Reuben’s Flavor Profile: Understanding the Challenge
Before we dive into specific side dish suggestions, it’s crucial to understand what we’re working with. The Reuben is a powerhouse of strong flavors. The sourness of the sauerkraut, the saltiness of the corned beef, the richness of the cheese, and the tang of the Russian dressing all compete for attention. A successful side dish needs to complement, not clash with, this bold ensemble. It should offer a contrasting texture or flavor profile that balances the Reuben’s intensity. The key is finding something that cleanses the palate, adds a fresh element, or provides a comforting counterpoint.
Classic Companions: Time-Tested Side Dish Staples
Some side dishes are classics for a reason – they simply work. These tried-and-true options have stood the test of time and consistently deliver a satisfying accompaniment to the Reuben’s robust flavors.
Pickles: A Zesty Counterpoint
The sharp, vinegary tang of a pickle is a natural partner for the Reuben’s richness. A dill pickle, in particular, offers a refreshing contrast that cuts through the fat and resets the palate between bites. The crispness of the pickle also provides a textural counterpoint to the soft sandwich. Consider serving a variety of pickles, from classic dill to sweet gherkins, to cater to different preferences. A small dish of pickled vegetables, such as carrots, celery, and green beans, can also provide a delightful and colorful addition.
Coleslaw: Creamy Coolness
Creamy coleslaw provides a cooling and refreshing contrast to the warm, savory Reuben. The sweetness and slight tang of the coleslaw balance the sandwich’s saltiness and richness. For a classic pairing, choose a coleslaw with a mayonnaise-based dressing. Alternatively, a vinegar-based coleslaw offers a lighter, tangier option that can further enhance the palate-cleansing effect. Consider adding shredded carrots, celery, and onions for added texture and flavor.
Potato Chips: A Simple Satisfaction
Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the best. A side of crispy potato chips offers a satisfying crunch and a salty counterpoint to the Reuben’s ingredients. Choose a classic ridged chip for maximum texture, or opt for kettle-cooked chips for a thicker, more robust bite. Flavored chips, such as salt and vinegar or sour cream and onion, can also be a fun and flavorful addition, but be mindful of overwhelming the Reuben’s flavors.
Beyond the Basics: Exploring More Adventurous Options
While classic side dishes are always a safe bet, don’t be afraid to venture beyond the familiar. These more adventurous options offer unique flavor combinations and textural contrasts that can elevate your Reuben experience to new heights.
Soup: A Comforting Complement
A bowl of warm soup is a comforting and satisfying accompaniment to a Reuben sandwich, especially on a chilly day. The key is to choose a soup that complements the Reuben’s flavors without overpowering it.
Tomato Soup: A Classic Pairing
Tomato soup’s acidity cuts through the richness of the Reuben, while its sweetness complements the corned beef and Russian dressing. A creamy tomato soup offers a luxurious texture, while a chunky tomato soup provides added heartiness. Consider adding a swirl of cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra touch of flavor.
Creamy Vegetable Soup: A Light and Refreshing Choice
A creamy vegetable soup, such as broccoli cheddar or cauliflower soup, offers a lighter and more refreshing option than tomato soup. The creamy texture complements the Reuben’s ingredients, while the vegetables provide a healthy and flavorful contrast.
Potato Leek Soup: A Savory Sensation
Potato leek soup provides a savory and comforting counterpoint to the Reuben’s richness. The leeks add a subtle oniony flavor that complements the corned beef, while the potatoes provide a creamy texture.
Salads: Freshness and Flavor
A fresh salad is an excellent way to balance the richness of a Reuben sandwich. Choose a salad with a variety of textures and flavors to create a satisfying and refreshing accompaniment.
Simple Green Salad: A Light and Refreshing Choice
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is a classic and versatile choice. The greens provide a refreshing contrast to the Reuben’s richness, while the vinaigrette adds a touch of acidity. Consider adding some cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions for added flavor and texture.
German Potato Salad: A Tangy Twist
German potato salad, with its tangy vinegar-based dressing and bacon crumbles, offers a unique and flavorful accompaniment to the Reuben. The potatoes provide a hearty and satisfying base, while the vinegar and bacon add a savory and slightly smoky flavor.
Cucumber Salad: Cool and Crisp
A cool and crisp cucumber salad provides a refreshing counterpoint to the Reuben’s warmth and richness. The cucumbers add a refreshing crunch, while the dressing provides a tangy and slightly sweet flavor. Consider adding some dill, red onion, and sour cream for an extra touch of flavor.
Roasted Vegetables: Earthy and Flavorful
Roasted vegetables offer an earthy and flavorful counterpoint to the Reuben’s richness. Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and creates a delicious caramelized flavor.
Roasted Root Vegetables: A Sweet and Savory Combination
A mix of roasted root vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes, offers a sweet and savory combination that complements the Reuben’s flavors. The vegetables’ natural sweetness balances the sandwich’s saltiness, while their earthy flavors provide a satisfying contrast.
Roasted Asparagus: A Delicate and Delicious Choice
Roasted asparagus is a delicate and delicious choice that adds a touch of elegance to your Reuben meal. The asparagus’s slightly bitter flavor complements the corned beef, while its tender texture provides a satisfying contrast.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: A Surprising Success
Roasted Brussels sprouts, when properly prepared, are a surprisingly delicious and flavorful side dish. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and creates a crispy, caramelized exterior. A drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can further enhance their flavor.
The Final Verdict: Choosing the Perfect Side Dish
Ultimately, the best side dish for a Reuben sandwich depends on your personal preferences. Consider the Reuben’s flavor profile, the desired texture, and the overall mood you’re trying to create. A simple pickle or a bag of potato chips is always a reliable choice, but don’t be afraid to experiment with more adventurous options like soup, salad, or roasted vegetables. The key is to find a side dish that complements the Reuben’s flavors and enhances the overall dining experience. A balance of flavors, textures, and temperatures is crucial for creating a truly memorable meal. Enjoy the process of discovery and find your own perfect Reuben side dish pairing! Remember, the best side dish is the one that you enjoy the most!
What makes a good side dish pairing for a Reuben sandwich?
A great side dish for a Reuben sandwich should offer a contrast in texture and flavor to complement the rich and savory elements of the sandwich. The Reuben, with its corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on rye bread, is already a powerful combination. Therefore, an ideal side avoids overwhelming the palate and instead provides a refreshing or balancing element.
Consider sides that offer acidity to cut through the richness, or a lighter texture to contrast with the density of the sandwich. Options like coleslaw, potato salad, or even a simple green salad can provide that much-needed balance and prevent flavor fatigue. Ultimately, the best pairing enhances the overall dining experience without competing with the star of the show – the Reuben itself.
Why is coleslaw often recommended as a side for a Reuben?
Coleslaw’s popularity as a Reuben sidekick stems from its crisp texture and tangy flavor. The creamy, often slightly sweet, dressing in coleslaw provides a cooling counterpoint to the warm, savory, and sometimes greasy nature of the Reuben. This contrast is crucial in keeping the meal from feeling too heavy or monotonous. The cabbage itself offers a refreshing crunch that complements the softer textures within the sandwich.
Furthermore, coleslaw’s acidity helps cut through the richness of the corned beef, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing. This allows the flavors of the Reuben to shine without becoming overwhelming. Different variations of coleslaw, such as those with a vinegar-based dressing or added vegetables like carrots and peppers, can further enhance the flavor profile and provide a customized experience to suit individual preferences.
What are some alternative side dishes for a Reuben besides coleslaw?
Beyond coleslaw, several other side dishes can beautifully complement a Reuben sandwich. Potato salad, with its creamy texture and varying degrees of tanginess, is a popular choice. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the Reuben. Pickles, especially dill pickles, offer a sharp, acidic bite that cleanses the palate between bites of the sandwich.
For those seeking a warmer option, potato chips offer a satisfying crunch and salty flavor. Some also enjoy pairing a Reuben with a cup of hearty soup, such as tomato soup or a creamy potato leek soup, though this can be a heavier meal overall. Ultimately, the best alternative depends on personal preference and the desired balance of flavors and textures.
How does potato salad complement a Reuben sandwich?
Potato salad, particularly the creamy variety, complements a Reuben sandwich by providing a comforting and familiar texture. The soft potatoes and creamy dressing create a pleasant mouthfeel that contrasts with the denser components of the Reuben. The slight sweetness often found in potato salad dressings also helps to balance the savory and tangy flavors of the sandwich.
Different styles of potato salad, from those with a mayonnaise base to those with a vinegar or mustard base, can offer varying levels of acidity to cut through the richness of the Reuben. A well-made potato salad should be flavorful enough to stand on its own but not so overpowering as to overshadow the sandwich. The cool temperature of the potato salad also provides a welcome contrast to the warm Reuben.
Why might a simple green salad be a good choice with a Reuben?
A simple green salad provides a refreshing and light counterpoint to the typically heavy and rich Reuben sandwich. The crisp lettuce, often paired with a light vinaigrette, offers a cleansing effect on the palate. This helps to prevent flavor fatigue and allows you to fully appreciate each bite of the Reuben without feeling overwhelmed.
The acidity of the vinaigrette further cuts through the fattiness of the corned beef, cheese, and dressing. Additionally, the salad provides a boost of vitamins and minerals, offering a healthier element to balance the more indulgent nature of the sandwich. It’s a straightforward and understated side that allows the Reuben to remain the star of the meal.
Are there any side dishes that should be avoided when eating a Reuben?
Generally, side dishes that are excessively rich, heavy, or have similar flavor profiles to the Reuben should be avoided. For instance, creamy pasta dishes or anything involving heavy sauces could be overwhelming. Sides that are also strongly fermented, like kimchi or certain types of sauerkraut, might create a flavor conflict with the sauerkraut already present in the Reuben.
Furthermore, avoid sides that are overly sweet, as this can clash with the savory and tangy flavors of the Reuben. While individual preferences vary, sticking to lighter, more acidic, or texturally contrasting options will generally result in a more harmonious and enjoyable dining experience. Consider the balance of the entire meal to prevent any one element from overpowering the others.
What role does acidity play in choosing a side for a Reuben?
Acidity plays a crucial role in balancing the rich and savory flavors of a Reuben sandwich. The corned beef, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing all contribute to a relatively heavy and flavorful experience. Introducing acidity through a side dish helps to cut through the richness and cleanse the palate, preventing flavor fatigue and enhancing the overall enjoyment of the meal.
Side dishes like coleslaw with a vinegar-based dressing, dill pickles, or a simple green salad with a vinaigrette all provide this crucial element of acidity. This allows the flavors of the Reuben to shine without becoming overwhelming. The tartness helps to awaken the taste buds and create a more balanced and satisfying dining experience, making the Reuben even more delicious.