Turns out you can “beet” meat when it comes to a Reuben, with this vegetarian Beet Reuben on homemade rye!
Did y’all have a Happy Thanksgiving (if you celebrate of course. If not, did you have a happy Thursday?)
I did! Our annual Friendsgiving complete with a photo booth, DJ, and tons of Bourbon and Coffee Braised Brisket was a hit! Anyone can attend (within reason) so we always get a hodge podge of weirdos, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Because Thanksgiving is about including everyone (and mashed potatoes) right?
Now you’re going to need so fuel for those Black Friday Sales and you may be a little sick of turkey. So how about beets??
I made the Rye Bread from Bubbe and Me last week and it was super tasty with a schmear of butter, but I didn’t want to stop there. So I made Miri’s Beet Reuben with the bread too. So good, y’all. I didn’t even miss the meat! If you added a dollop of cranberry sauce on top, I wouldn’t even be mad.
I used spicy mustard instead of the ginger mayo Miri used because mayo and I are not friends.
Swiss, sauerkraut and tart apple slices make this sandwich!
Can’t be beet!
Toasted to perfection. Try it, you’ll like it!
Beet Reuben
Ingredients
- 2 small beets greens removed and trimmed
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 small garlic clove finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon finely grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Pinch of sea salt or kosher salt
- 4 slices Homemade Seeded Rye Bread or storebought
- 2 to 4 slices Swiss cheese
- ½ cup sauerkraut drained
- 1 small apple cored and thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Rub the beets with a little olive oil, wrap in foil, and place in a baking pan. Slide into the oven and roast for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the beets are tender. When the beets are cool enough to handle, peel and slice into ¼-inch rounds. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, garlic, ginger, lemon juice, and salt. Cover and refrigerate.
- To assemble the sandwiches: Spread 2 slices of rye bread with the mayonnaise spread (or use spicy mustard like me). Top with Swiss cheese, ¼ cup sauerkraut, a layer of apple slices, and a layer of beet slices. Top with a second slice of bread, spread with more ginger mayonnaise if you’d like. Repeat with the second sandwich.
- In a cast iron or other heavy skillet set over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil and butter.
- When the butter melts and begins to foam, carefully add the sandwiches, cheese side closest to the pan. Press down with the back of a flat spatula.
- Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until the cheese melts, the sandwich is warmed through, and the bread is toasty and golden brown.
Bagel chips and beer not required, but recommended.
The reuben is one of my favorite sandwiches! Never would I ever think of making it with beets. But I’d give it a try.
Ooooh, the apple slices. YUM.
I love the sound of this twist on a classic! Beets are so so good. Need to try!
My husband loves beets and rye bread…going to have to give this a try.
Let me know if you do- it’s super tasty!!
Thank you for curing my reuben craving! Your beautiful photos really helped me make it just like your recipe. Can’t believe how tasty the beets were in this sandwich, thanks so much for sharing!