Indulge in Comfort: Creamy Reuben Soup
Warm up your soul with a bowl of Creamy Reuben Soup, a delightful twist on the beloved Reuben sandwich. This hearty soup combines the flavors of tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy Swiss cheese in a rich and satisfying broth. Perfect for chilly evenings or lazy weekends, this soup is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Join us as we explore the delicious world of Creamy Reuben Soup and learn how to make this comforting dish from scratch.
Ingredients
Soup:
1 (32 oz.) carton low-sodium chicken or beef stock
1 pound cooked corned beef or pastrami, diced, fat removed
1 (8 oz.) package sauerkraut, rinsed and drained
1 yellow onion, chopped
4 carrots, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon oregano
1 bay leaf
1/3 cup cold water
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 cup heavy cream
1 (12 oz.) package Swiss cheese, sliced
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Croutons:
6 slices marbled rye bread
2-3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil or butter, melted
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Instructions
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and carrots, and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in minced garlic, oregano, and bay leaf, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add diced corned beef or pastrami and sauerkraut to the pot, stirring to combine.
Pour in the chicken or beef stock, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
In a small bowl, whisk together cold water and cornstarch until smooth. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the soup, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
Stir in heavy cream, and continue to simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the soup thickens slightly.
Remove the bay leaf from the soup, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the slices of marbled rye bread on a baking sheet, and brush them with melted olive oil or butter. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Bake the bread slices in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before cutting into bite-sized pieces.
To serve, ladle the Creamy Reuben Soup into bowls, and top each serving with sliced Swiss cheese and a handful of croutons.
Cook Notes and Variations
For added depth of flavor, you can use homemade chicken or beef stock instead of store-bought.
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add more cornstarch slurry or reduce the amount of chicken or beef stock used.
Feel free to customize the soup with your favorite Reuben sandwich ingredients, such as diced pickles or a dollop of Russian dressing.
For a vegetarian version, you can omit the corned beef or pastrami and use vegetable stock instead of chicken or beef stock.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions
Keto Version:
Replace the cornstarch with xanthan gum or glucomannan powder as a thickener.
Substitute heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk to reduce the carb content.
Omit the croutons or use low-carb bread made from almond flour or coconut flour.
Low-Carb Version:
Follow the keto version substitutions above, but also consider reducing the amount of carrots used to further lower the carb count.
Use full-fat cheese slices or shredded cheese instead of reduced-fat varieties for a richer flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use leftover corned beef from St. Patrick’s Day for this soup?
A: Yes, leftover corned beef or pastrami works wonderfully in this recipe. Simply dice the cooked meat and add it to the soup as directed.
Q: Can I make this soup in advance?
A: Absolutely! Creamy Reuben Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop over low heat before serving.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: While you can freeze Creamy Reuben Soup, keep in mind that the texture of the dairy-based soup may change slightly upon thawing. It’s best to freeze the soup without the cheese and crouton toppings, then add them when reheating.
In conclusion, Creamy Reuben Soup is a delightful way to enjoy the classic flavors of the Reuben sandwich in a comforting and satisfying bowl. With its hearty combination of tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy Swiss cheese, this soup is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for chilly days and cozy evenings at home. Whether you’re a fan of the Reuben sandwich or simply looking for a new soup recipe to try, Creamy Reuben Soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a bowl of warm and comforting goodness!
