January 27, 2025

creamy reuben soup

Creamy Reuben Soup

A bowl of Creamy Reuben Soup is like a warm hug on a chilly day. It’s a comforting blend of corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese, all wrapped in a rich, creamy broth. This recipe is quick and easy, perfect for using leftover meat or deli cuts. As you prepare, you’ll discover how simple ingredients can transform into a hearty meal. Ready to learn how to create this delicious dish?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you crave the comforting flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich, this Creamy Reuben Soup delivers just that in a warm, hearty bowl.

You’ll appreciate how it captures the sandwich’s essence with corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese. The addition of Thousand Island dressing and caraway seeds enhances the authentic taste, making it perfect for Reuben lovers. This recipe is flexible; you can use deli corned beef or leftovers, and even customize it with potatoes or rye bread croutons. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, ready in under an hour, making use of chicken broth as the base.

With its rich, creamy texture and savory tanginess, this soup is ideal for any occasion, especially on cold days or festive celebrations. Enjoy a comforting meal that warms you up!

History

The history of the Reuben sandwich is both interesting and somewhat debated, as it involves multiple claims about its creation.

One popular story suggests that Reuben Kulakofsky, a local grocer in Omaha, Nebraska, invented the sandwich in 1925 for a late-night poker game at the Blackstone Hotel. The hotel’s owner, Charles Schimmel, liked it so much that he added it to the menu.

Another claim states that Arnold Reuben Jr. created it in the 1930s in New York. The first documented mention of the “Reuben” appeared on a 1937 menu at the Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln, where it was priced at 50 cents.

Over time, variations emerged, but the classic combination of rye bread, corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut became the standard.

Recipe

Ingredients:
– 1 lb corned beef, diced
– 1 cup sauerkraut, well drained
– 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, diced (optional)
– 2 potatoes, diced (optional)
– 2 tablespoons flour
– 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (or to taste)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons butter
– Rye croutons (for serving)

Cooking Instructions:

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
If using, add the diced carrots and potatoes, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic.
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add the diced corned beef, well-drained sauerkraut, caraway seeds, salt, and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the heavy cream until fully incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded Swiss cheese. Optionally, add rye croutons for a crunchy finish. Enjoy immediately while the cheese is melted and the soup is hot.

For the best results, consider using low-sodium chicken broth to help balance the saltiness from the corned beef and sauerkraut. Additionally, toasted rye croutons can elevate the soup’s texture and flavor.

You can also explore additional vegetables like cabbage or celery for extra flavor and texture. If you have leftover rye bread, toast it to make delicious croutons—this adds a perfect crunchy topping to your soup!

Final Thoughts

Creamy Reuben soup is a delightful dish that brings together classic flavors in a warm, comforting bowl. To enhance your experience, serve it with rye bread croutons for that traditional Reuben taste. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the soup’s richness nicely. Incorporating gut health benefits from sauerkraut, this soup not only satisfies your taste buds but also supports your digestive system. Don’t forget to add dill pickle spears on the side for an authentic deli flair. For a heartier meal, pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich filled with Swiss cheese and corned beef. When it comes to beverages, opt for a malty beer, crisp Sauvignon Blanc, or creamy root beer to complement the flavors. With these tips, you’ll create a satisfying and delicious meal that everyone will enjoy.

FAQ

Wondering what to expect from Creamy Reuben Soup? This hearty soup combines the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich, featuring corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and a creamy base. You can use leftover corned beef, and it typically takes around 45 minutes to prepare.

To make the soup, sauté onions and carrots, add garlic, broth, and corned beef, then simmer until tender. For extra texture, consider adding rye croutons on top. This recipe is a lower-carb version of the classic Reuben sandwich, making it a delicious yet healthier option.

If you’re looking for healthier options, you can skip the croutons or use pastrami instead of corned beef. Serve it hot, topped with shredded Swiss cheese, and enjoy with crusty bread or biscuits for a complete meal.