The Reuben sandwich is famous for its blend of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on rye bread. However, many people wonder why the Reuben sandwich is not kosher. The answer lies in the ingredients and how they conflict with kosher dietary laws. In this article, we’ll explore the sandwich’s history, its ingredients, and how you can adapt the recipe to make a kosher-friendly version.
The Origins of the Reuben Sandwich
There are multiple stories about the origin of the Reuben sandwich. One popular tale credits Reuben Kulakofsky, a grocer from Omaha, Nebraska, with its creation. In 1925, Kulakofsky reportedly made the sandwich during a poker game, using corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on rye bread. It became a hit and soon spread to diners and restaurants across the country.
Another origin story ties the sandwich to New York City’s Reuben’s Restaurant and Deli, suggesting that it was first served there. Regardless of the exact origin, the Reuben sandwich gained immense popularity in American cuisine, especially in delis. However, its mix of meat and dairy excludes it from being kosher.
Understanding Kosher Dietary Laws
To grasp why the Reuben sandwich isn’t kosher, it’s crucial to understand the basics of kosher dietary laws, known as kashrut. These rules come from the Torah and were later expanded by rabbis. They guide what foods can be eaten, how they should be prepared, and when they should be consumed.
Here are the core rules of kashrut:
- No Mixing of Meat and Dairy: One of the key laws in kashrut forbids eating meat and dairy together. This law stems from the Torah’s commandment, “Do not cook a young goat in its mother’s milk.”
- Kosher Animals: For an animal to be kosher, it must chew its cud and have split hooves. Examples include cows and sheep. Pigs, on the other hand, are not kosher.
- Ritual Slaughter: Meat must be slaughtered in a specific way, under the supervision of a trained shochet. This process ensures that the meat is fit for consumption according to Jewish law.
- Kosher Kitchens: Kosher foods must be prepared in kitchens that strictly follow kashrut. The kitchen’s supervision ensures that no non-kosher items contaminate the food.
The Ingredients
A classic Reuben includes several essential components:
- Corned Beef: This salt-cured beef brisket gives the sandwich its rich, savory flavor.
- Swiss Cheese: A mild dairy product made from cow’s milk, adding a creamy texture to the sandwich.
- Sauerkraut: This fermented cabbage provides a tangy counterbalance to the richness of the meat and cheese.
- Russian Dressing: A creamy dressing, often made from mayonnaise, adds zest and moisture.
- Rye Bread: Rye bread is commonly associated with deli-style sandwiches.
While these ingredients make the Reuben delicious, they also make it non-kosher, due to the mixing of meat and dairy.
Why is the Reuben Sandwich Not Kosher?
The main reason the Reuben isn’t kosher is the combination of meat and dairy. Kosher law prohibits the consumption of these two types of food together. Corned beef, a meat product, and Swiss cheese, a dairy product, cannot be eaten in the same meal under Jewish law.
In addition, many restaurants and delis that serve Reuben sandwiches are not kosher-certified. This lack of certification often means the sandwich is prepared in a kitchen that doesn’t meet kosher standards. Even the bread or dressing might not be kosher if they contain additives or preservatives that don’t comply with kashrut.
Read also the Difference Between a Reuben and a Rachel Sandwich.
How to Make a Reuben Sandwich Kosher
Yes, it’s possible to make a kosher version of the Reuben sandwich. Here’s how to adapt the ingredients:
- Non-Dairy Cheese: Replace the Swiss cheese with a non-dairy alternative. Many brands offer kosher-certified non-dairy cheeses that closely resemble the flavor and texture of traditional cheese.
- Kosher Corned Beef: Ensure the corned beef comes from a kosher-certified source. The beef must be prepared according to kashrut under the supervision of a shochet.
- Kosher Russian Dressing: Make or buy a kosher version of Russian dressing. Many store-bought dressings may contain non-kosher ingredients, so check the label for certification.
- Kosher Rye Bread: Ensure that the rye bread you use comes from a kosher bakery. This ensures that the bread hasn’t been made in a facility that processes non-kosher items.
With these substitutions, you can enjoy a Reuben that complies with kosher guidelines while retaining much of its original flavor.
The Cultural Significance of the Reuben Sandwich
Although the Reuben isn’t kosher, it is closely tied to Jewish-American deli culture. Jewish immigrants in the early 20th century helped shape much of America’s culinary landscape, especially in cities like New York. The deli became an essential institution in urban Jewish communities, serving traditional foods and offering a gathering place for families and friends.
While not a traditional Jewish dish, the Reuben became closely associated with Jewish delis, blending American and Jewish flavors. In these delis, the sandwich stood alongside kosher items like matzo ball soup and pastrami sandwiches. However, it catered to a broader, non-kosher audience, which helped it become a staple in American cuisine.
Kosher-Friendly Alternatives to the Reuben
If you love the flavors of the Reuben but want to stick to kosher rules, you have some great alternatives:
- Kosher Pastrami Sandwich: Swap corned beef for kosher pastrami. Pastrami has a rich, smoky flavor that pairs well with rye bread and mustard. It’s a popular deli sandwich and fits within kosher guidelines when prepared properly.
- Turkey Reuben: Replace the corned beef with kosher turkey. You can still enjoy the tang of sauerkraut and the creamy dressing, but without breaking kosher laws. Be sure to use non-dairy cheese or skip it altogether.
- Vegan Reuben: Go vegan with a plant-based version of the Reuben. Use plant-based meat and dairy substitutes to replicate the flavors of the classic sandwich. These options are widely available and can fit within kosher diets if certified.
Each of these alternatives offers a delicious way to enjoy the essence of the Reuben while respecting kosher dietary rules.
Read also How Do You Keep a Reuben from Getting Soggy.
FAQs:
Q: Can you make a kosher Reuben sandwich?
A: Yes, by using non-dairy cheese and kosher-certified ingredients, you can create a kosher version of the Reuben.
Q: Why is the Reuben sandwich not kosher?
A: The traditional Reuben mixes meat (corned beef) and dairy (Swiss cheese), which is forbidden under kosher law.
Q: Is the Reuben sandwich considered a Jewish food?
A: While the Reuben is linked to Jewish delis, it isn’t a traditional Jewish dish because of its non-kosher ingredients.
Q: What are some kosher alternatives to a Reuben sandwich?
A: A kosher pastrami sandwich, turkey Reuben, or vegan Reuben are excellent alternatives that adhere to kosher laws.
Conclusion: Balancing Tradition and Taste
The Reuben sandwich may not be kosher, but it’s a symbol of Jewish-American culinary fusion. Its combination of flavors has captured the hearts of diners across the country, and while traditional Jewish law prevents its consumption by those who keep kosher, creative adaptations make it accessible to everyone.
Check also What is a Reuben Without Sauerkraut Called?
By replacing non-kosher ingredients with kosher-certified options, you can create a version that honors the spirit of the original sandwich while staying true to kashrut. The Reuben remains a delicious example of how food can bridge cultures and traditions, offering something for everyone.