Portabella Reuben Sandwich Recipe
Total Time: 29 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Category: Lunch/Snacks
Servings: 4
A creative twist on the classic Reuben sandwich, this Portabella Reuben offers a savory and satisfying option for both vegetarians and mushroom lovers. With the rich umami flavor of portabella mushrooms, tangy sauerkraut, and the creamy goodness of Swiss cheese, this recipe combines all the best elements of a traditional Reuben but with a lighter, vegetable-based filling. Perfect for a quick and delicious lunch or snack, this dish is sure to delight your taste buds. Inspired by the Moosewood Restaurant New Classics cookbook, this recipe proves that mushrooms can shine in place of meat.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Diced tomato | 1/4 cup |
| Mayonnaise | 1/3 cup |
| Scallion (chopped) | 1 |
| Cider vinegar | 1 tbsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Ground black pepper | 1/2 tsp |
| Tomato paste | 1 1/2 tbsp |
| Sauerkraut | 1 cup |
| Swiss cheese (sliced) | 1 cup |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Garlic cloves (minced) | 1 |
| Portabella mushrooms | 4 large caps |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 491.1 kcal |
| Fat | 29.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Cholesterol | 42.4 mg |
| Sodium | 1130.1 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 40.2 g |
| Fiber | 3.9 g |
| Sugar | 6.8 g |
| Protein | 17.7 g |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Portabella Mushrooms
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F or, alternatively, you can use the broiler setting for a quicker cooking time. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful oil mixture. Remove the stems from the portabella mushrooms, and slice the caps into 1/2 to 3/4-inch thick slices. Once sliced, brush both sides of each mushroom slice with the garlic-infused oil mixture. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet, ensuring that they are spaced at least 1 inch apart.
Step 2: Roast or Broil the Mushrooms
If you’re roasting, bake the portabella slices in the preheated oven for about 4 to 8 minutes on one side. After this, flip the slices over with a spatula and continue baking for another 4 to 8 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and juicy. For broiling, place the mushroom slices under the broiler and cook for 3 to 5 minutes on one side. Flip them with a spatula, then broil for another 3 to 5 minutes on the other side. Once done, remove the mushrooms from the oven and set them aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Russian Dressing
While the mushrooms are cooking, it’s time to prepare the creamy dressing that will give this sandwich its signature flavor. In a blender or food processor, combine the mayonnaise, diced tomato, scallion, cider vinegar, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches
Once the portabella slices are ready and the dressing is prepared, preheat the oven to 400°F. Spread a generous amount of the homemade Russian dressing on one side of 4 slices of bread. Place these slices, dressing side down, on a baking pan or baking sheet. On top of each slice of bread, layer 1/4 of the roasted portabella slices, 1/4 cup of sauerkraut, and 1/3 cup of Swiss cheese. Top each sandwich with a second slice of bread, spread with more dressing.
Step 5: Bake the Sandwiches
Place the assembled sandwiches in the oven and bake for approximately 4 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the bread is golden and slightly crispy. Remove from the oven and serve immediately while the cheese is still gooey and the flavors are perfectly melded together.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the Portabella Reuben sandwiches hot and enjoy the rich, savory combination of mushrooms, tangy sauerkraut, and melty Swiss cheese, all brought together with a creamy Russian dressing. This is a satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch, a snack, or a light dinner!
Tips for the Perfect Portabella Reuben
-
Mushroom Quality: Choose large, fresh portabella mushrooms to ensure that they hold up well when sliced and roasted. The mushrooms should be firm and have a rich, dark color.
-
Bread Choice: Traditional rye bread is a perfect choice for this Reuben sandwich, but feel free to experiment with other types of bread, such as whole grain or sourdough, for a different twist.
-
Make It Vegan: For a vegan version of this sandwich, swap out the mayonnaise for a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free cheese like cashew-based Swiss cheese. The sauerkraut and mushrooms will still give you that iconic Reuben flavor.
-
Add a Kick: For a bit of heat, try adding a dash of hot sauce or a few slices of pickled jalapeños into the sandwich before baking. It’ll add a spicy contrast to the creamy dressing and the rich mushrooms.
This Portabella Reuben is a wonderfully versatile recipe that delivers all the comfort and satisfaction of a classic Reuben sandwich, but with a delicious vegetable-based twist. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a lighter, vegetarian version of a deli classic or simply want to try something new, this sandwich is sure to impress.
