IRRESISTIBLE REUBEN SOUP RECIPE

Dive into a warm bowl of everything you love about a Reuben sandwich, but in soup form! Imagine tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese all swimming in a savory broth. This Reuben Soup recipe is surprisingly simple and guaranteed to become your new cozy go-to meal, I promise!

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup sauerkraut, rinsed and drained
• 1 pound corned beef, cooked and diced
• 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

• Swiss cheese, shredded
• Rye bread croutons or toasted rye bread slices
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Getting Started: The Foundation of Flavor

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Burnt garlic can ruin the entire flavor profile.

Building the Soup: Layers of Deliciousness

2. Add the Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the beef broth and add the undrained diced tomatoes. Bring to a simmer.
3. Incorporate the Sauerkraut: Add the rinsed and drained sauerkraut to the pot. Rinsing the sauerkraut helps to mellow out its strong flavor, but if you love a really tangy soup, you can skip this step.
4. Simmer and Develop Flavors: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes! This is a great step to do ahead of time if you are preparing for a party or just want to get a head start.

Finishing Touches: The Reuben Transformation

5. Add the Corned Beef: Stir in the diced corned beef. If you’re using leftover corned beef, this is a fantastic way to give it new life! If you don’t have leftover corned beef, you can often find pre-cooked corned beef at the deli counter.
6. The Secret Ingredients: Stir in the Thousand Island dressing, Dijon mustard, and caraway seeds (if using). These ingredients are key to achieving that authentic Reuben flavor. Don’t skip them!
7. Taste and Adjust: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that corned beef can be quite salty, so start with a small amount of salt and add more as needed.
8. Simmer Again: Continue to simmer for another 5-10 minutes to heat the corned beef through and allow the flavors to fully combine.

Serving: The Grand Finale

9. Serve Hot: Ladle the Reuben Soup into bowls and top with shredded Swiss cheese.
10. Garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
11. The Perfect Accompaniment: Serve with rye bread croutons or toasted rye bread slices for dipping. This is essential for that true Reuben experience!

Tips and Tricks for the Best Reuben Soup

Corned Beef Considerations

The quality of your corned beef will greatly impact the flavor of your Reuben Soup. Using high-quality corned beef, whether it’s leftover from a St. Patrick’s Day celebration or purchased specifically for this recipe, will make a noticeable difference. If you’re cooking your own corned beef, be sure to simmer it until it’s fall-apart tender. This ensures that it will blend seamlessly into the soup and provide the best possible texture.

Sauerkraut Secrets

As mentioned earlier, rinsing the sauerkraut is optional, but I highly recommend it, especially if you’re not a huge fan of overly sour flavors. Rinsing helps to remove some of the excess brine and tanginess, resulting in a more balanced soup. If you prefer a bolder flavor, feel free to skip the rinsing step altogether. You can even experiment with different types of sauerkraut, such as Bavarian sauerkraut, for a slightly different twist.

Thousand Island Magic

The Thousand Island dressing is a crucial component of this Reuben Soup, as it provides the creamy texture and tangy sweetness that are characteristic of a Reuben sandwich. I recommend using a good-quality Thousand Island dressing for the best flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even make your own! There are plenty of easy recipes available online. A little goes a long way, so start with the recommended amount and add more to taste.

Cheese, Please!

Swiss cheese is the classic choice for a Reuben sandwich, and it works perfectly in this Reuben Soup as well. However, you can experiment with other types of cheese if you prefer. Gruyere, for example, would add a nutty and slightly more complex flavor. Just be sure to choose a cheese that melts well.

Variations and Adaptations

Vegetarian Reuben Soup

To make a vegetarian version of this Reuben Soup, simply replace the corned beef with vegetarian “corned beef” or smoked tofu. You can also add extra vegetables, such as mushrooms or potatoes, to make the soup more filling. Ensure that your broth is vegetable-based. This is a great option for those looking for a meat-free alternative.

Spicy Reuben Soup

If you like a little heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to your Reuben Soup. You can also use a spicy Thousand Island dressing for an extra kick. Jalapeños would also be a welcome addition. Just be careful not to overdo it, as you don’t want to overpower the other flavors.

Bread Soup Recipe Inspiration

This Reuben Soup is a spin on the classic sandwich, but you can also think of it as a delicious Bread Soup Recipe because of the rye bread served alongside. Think of other sandwich-inspired soups you can create! For example, a French Dip soup with crusty bread for dipping.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Soups Salads And Sandwiches: The Perfect Trio

As the classic deli saying goes, Soups Salads And Sandwiches are a perfect match! While this Reuben Soup is hearty enough on its own, it also pairs well with a light salad. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing would provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup. You could also serve it with a side of coleslaw for a true Reuben experience.

Comfy Soup Recipes for a Cozy Night

This Reuben Soup falls firmly into the category of Comfy Soup Recipes. It’s warm, hearty, and satisfying, making it the perfect meal for a chilly evening. Other great options for a cozy night include Outback Potato Soup, Chicken Gnocchi Soup, or even Creamy Lasagna Soup. Each of these options offers a unique and comforting flavor profile.

Beef Chowder and Beyond

While this Reuben Soup isn’t technically a Beef Chowder, it does share some similarities. Both are hearty soups that feature beef and creamy textures. If you enjoy this recipe, you might also want to try a classic Beef Chowder or a Beef Potato Soup for a different take on beef-based soups.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover Soup: A Gift That Keeps on Giving

This Reuben Soup is even better the next day, as the flavors have had more time to meld together. Store any Leftover Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to stir it every minute or so to ensure even heating. You may need to add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much during storage.

Freezing for Future Enjoyment

This Reuben Soup can also be frozen for longer storage. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Be sure to leave some headspace in the containers, as the soup will expand when frozen. The soup can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, transfer the frozen soup to the refrigerator overnight. Reheat as described above.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Reuben Soup recipe is a winner because it takes all the best parts of a classic Reuben sandwich and transforms them into a comforting and satisfying soup. It’s easy to make, customizable to your preferences, and perfect for a chilly day. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover corned beef! Whether you’re a lifelong Reuben fan or just looking for a new and exciting soup recipe, this one is sure to become a favorite. Don’t forget to check out our other great soup options like Chicken Tortilla Soup or Chicken And Rice Soup.