vegan reuben sandwich






Hello saturday readers. Just a quick post to tell you about the sandwich I will be serving tomorrow for super bowl Sunday.

It's a faux Reuben sandwich and I think it is pretty good.  I put those Tofurky Deli Slices and the Daiya Cheese to work here.  I honestly don't know how this would measure up to a real Reuben but this sandwich is crispy and spicy. I'm serving it with this creamy potato soup.  I was able to get all the other ingredients from the .99 store.


You will need...

1 pkg. Tofurky Peppered Vegan Slices
1 pkg. vegan cheese
1 cup sauerkraut
1/2 c sliced red onions
Dijon mustard
Rye bread
Earth Balance margarine

This is a super easy sandwich to assemble.  I just got all my ingredients ready and heated up the pan and began layering.  First put a little Earth Balance on one side of the bread and lay it flat into the skillet.  Then put 2 slices of Tofurky, a couple of slices of red onion, about 2 Tablespoons of the cheese, a Tablespoon or 2 of the sauerkraut and a small dollop of mustard.  Then I put a little margarine on the top slice of bread and grilled them.  Super easy.

I'll have lots of sauerkraut and rye bread left and I have some frozen faux sausages so we'll be eating versions of this for a few days.

Hope your Saturday is A-Ok.




33 comments

  1. I've been curious about the tofurkey. Did you grill the red onions first? I'll pick up a pkg today!! Thanks, as always. Enjoy your weekend. You've inspired me to start planning my meals a week in advance. I can see how this will save me $$ and cut way way down on waste. Enjoy your weekend. xoJennifer

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. i didn't grill them first but i really should have. in fact tomorrow i think i will.

      i need to do a post on faux meat products. they are so good these days.

      Delete
    2. Looking forward to that and to also understanding the pros/cons about the faux meats. Thanks. By the way, sandwich looks delish and I went over to the potato soup again; so good, even to read. The sign of the good chefs, IMHO; terrific food, recognizable ingredients (and not too many of them).

      Delete
    3. Ok. I'll grill mine. My husband is dying for me to make these today, he doesn't want to wait till tomorrow. But today I'm making your mushroom Bourguignon!! xo

      Delete
  2. This looks so much more appetizing than a real Reuben. The smell alone of a Reuben makes me bleeeeh. (I wasn't sure what word to write so I just typed the noise I made while thinking about a Reuben)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. can anyone edit this page and add Janet's Sandwich in the "Variations list"?
      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reuben_sandwich

      Delete
    2. I'm sure enjoying Stephen Andrew's blog since Janet talked about him on the previous post. (Stephen, loved the Winter Blues...I'd never thought of pairing beautifl turquoise/aqua glass...and I do love colored glass...with Blue Willow; so beautiful...) Janet, I think more than a few of us discovered Stephen's blog through you in the past week (and OMG, he's got the most precious dog...). Thanks again, Janet.

      Delete
  3. Janet, did you just tell us one can make a crispy sandwich without owning a panini-press? :-)
    I have been thinking about you today. Seriously! Maybe because I went through our cellar compartment? Those compartments are so to say the equivalent to the US basement, only smaller.
    Faux meat in California totally makes sense. Over here in Europe many vegans - including me - don't feel comfortable because the sausages and tofurkeys make huge CO2-footprints. We really need some local faux meat producers over here! Until then I keep digging into hummus.

    Greetings from a A-Ok Saturday evening in Vienna!

    ReplyDelete
  4. over the summer when tomatoes are at their peak i started making BLT's with mock bacon. I used to really love a good BLT. the result was suprisingly good!
    Darby

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My Whole Foods stopped selling my favorite mock bacon, what brand do you use?

      Delete
    2. the kind I used was lightlife smart bacon. I bought it at my local stop and shop supermarket I dont usually like the fake meats because of the processing but sometimes i miss the taste of bacon.
      Darby

      Delete
  5. I couldn't stop thinking about Maia. My husband worked it out with our half-unpacked computer to hook me up to earphones since we can't find the speakers right now. I am Mesmerized With Maia.

    My beloved great-aunt (by marriage not blood) lived to be age 97. She was pure Scots by birth, born to a young couple who eloped to America at the turn of the last century. Her mother lived til her 90s and so did her brother. They grew up with nothing but, in adulthood, Aunt E had the gift of financial success due to hard work with her husband in a family business. They retired in their 40s and traveled the world. She didn't want to be a golf widow, so she learned how to play golf. Gardening was her passion and she loved to entertain (no kids but tons of friends). When somebody new would move into the neighborhood, and other neighbors might be gossiping about it, she'd simply go take them a homemade pie and say hi. My great-uncle and she gave back to their community and were grateful, for everything. The worshipped each other and were married for almost eight decades. When she died, she still had her teeth, had never had to wear glasses, took only one pill for her heart (which, suffice to say, she mostly didn't take), had a cute pixie haircut, wore pink sweatshirts and tennis shoes, made buttery Scotch shortbread at Christmas, mostly loved a pan-fried pork chop and mac-chees with Cheetos as a snack and enjoyed every single thing she ever bought, was given or made in her adorable little bungalow. I mentioned one time that I was worried about de-cluttering (worrying but not doing anything about it) and she said, "I don't want to give my things away; I love my things." She wasn't a complainer, she hated bias, she lauded good manners and always looked on the bright side. My favorite story was about her and a sister-in-law deciding they wanted to see the U.S. by car, so piled into one in about 1929, mostly renting rooms in people's houses along the way since there were no such things as motels or motor courts. They lost some tires along the way because a lot of the roads were dirt; full or rocks and mud. She liked adventure! There were several circumstances of her life where I think she was completely fearless. She was amazing. Tall and thin; lively eyes. I only saw her cry once...when he died.

    I want to be like her and Maia. I might not have their genes but I can certainly try to adopt some of the personality toward life and aging. Mostly, I want to be limber like Maia, right now, not in my 90s!

    I'm probably going to be obsessed now, and watch that little movie all the time...she's addictive...

    I guess I should have put this on the previous post but, gosh, Janet...you share such unique stuff on your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Your vegan Ruben sandwish look so good that it's making me hungry! I wonder if I can find Tofurkey slices and vegan cheese at our local Wegmans... Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Gail, in northern CaliforniaFebruary 1, 2014 at 3:41 PM

    In more ways than 100 your blog is wonderful, Janet. Case in point, today's post from "Vicki". Wasn't that a lovely story about her beloved great Aunt E?

    You opened up a whole world of wonderful people. People I enjoy each day. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was thinking about you yesterday, Gail. I'm glad you got those seventeen years or so of retirement with your husband. I have a friend whose parents retired at age 55 after having a home-based business for many years. They did something they dreamed about...sold their home, bought a gigantic 5-wheel trailer and took a few more years to thoroughly see every state in the U.S. They also took a months-long cruise on the other side of the world; another dream. After all that, they settled into a seniors' park and lived in the trailer for even more years. He was felled by pancreatic cancer when he was barely over 60. Over time, she ran out of money and now lives with her daughter. Her son-in-law had always been very skeptical and critical of the early retirement. But the mom maintains to this day that she doesn't regret one single thing about it because if they'd waited to make their dreams come true, she would have been doing it solo, in which case, she said it wouldn't have meant the same. It's so hard to know what to do and how soon to retire although, of course lately, the economy and recession decided those things for so many people. With my parents, who retired at age 62, Mom got one year of it...only one year of a work-free life...before she was stricken with severe auto-immune disease. With her dreams also went Dad's; they couldn't do anything again, no long trips, no big activities. They figured out how to have a life...she could still walk and get around in the beginning...and scaled things down, became content with small excursions, never too far from home. Dad said they always saw eye-to-eye on things; they understood each other. But I think I realized much later that the relationship had changed. In many ways, he lost his equal partner, and I know she felt bad to be burdensome. Never did you ever hear a word of complaint from him, though. The only thing he ever said to me in 25 years of his care of her before he died was, "Sometimes it's hard."

      What I came away with was to not put your life on hold. I often do not follow my own internal advice. Sometimes you just have to drop a project, or even a goal (within reason), and just go do what you know you need to do. Otherwise, regrets. I had a free, round-trip ticket on Virgin Airlines some time back. My cousin was living and working in London, with a good-sized and employer-paid flat. So, I had a way to get there and a place to stay. I also had my husband's blessing to go. But I lacked confidence about it and, in the end, was too afraid to leave my job (the company was in a state of flux at the time), feeling I could no way be gone for three weeks. A year later, I didn't work there anymore anyway, and I know I lost the chance-of-a-lifetime to see a city and country in a unique way. I try NOT to have regrets, but I will always regret the lost opportunity of London in the spring.

      I can tell you have courage, Gail. Keep coming here to Janet's blog. She does have a loyal following and she herself has a kind heart. Feels like friends, at The Gardener's Cottage.

      Delete
  8. Janet,
    Did you use an iron skillet?

    ReplyDelete
  9. I'm just catching up with your blog, Juanita! I always love your recipes (although, as I've never eaten meat I've never tried a fake 'cos i reckon the texture would be too alien!).Loving the grocery challenge. I can live on a budget or I could if Jon wasn't such an impulsive buyer. He'll pop out with a list of the bare essentials and never ever sticks to it. He's a merchandiser's dream! xxx

    ReplyDelete
  10. I have no idea what a Reuben's sandwich is, but I do know Croque Monsieur and this is how I make them in the frying pan (skillet), so this is a fancy, vegan version, I guess!! I hadn't thought to add onion or mustard and as I have half a jar of sauerkraut waiting to be used up, along with some turkey ham - guess what's for dinner tonight?!! Thanks, Janet, even from a non-vegan…
    By the way, loved that Auntie E story - my Granny is also an Auntie E and is 97 still counting :) Own teeth, still active etc. too! Wonderful people.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't know what a Croque Monsieur is but didn't Meryl Streep's character cook it for her ex-husband, Alec Baldwin, in that funny movie I can't remember at the moment; Steve Martin was in it, too. Now, if we could do a vegan version of my all-time favorite sandwich, The Monte Cristo which, after it's done in the pan, you dust with powdered sugar and dip in fruit jam (I know, in my dreams), I'd be a really happy girl...

      Delete
    2. That is funny to me, Vicki - it is such a simple, standard thing to get in France, basically a hot ham/cheese sandwich… :) Since so many Americans are francophile, I rather expected it to be well known! My mistake...

      Delete
    3. Swissrose - Before I was vegan I ate a ton of hot ham/cheese sandwiches. But we just called them a grilled ham and cheese. Never heard of Croque Monsieur before, but I also don't know anyone from France. :)

      Vicki - It's Complicated. Oh and i've actually seen a recipe for a vegan monte cristo here:
      http://theveganmouse.blogspot.com/2009/11/monte-cristo-sandwich.html

      I've never tried one. Always seemed weird to put sugar on a savory sandwich!

      Delete
    4. Oh, yum, thanks, Ashley. A Monte Cristo is decadent. I'd never had one until my former boss took me and some of the rest of the office staff to lunch at a country club. The real deal has oodles of fat, carbs and calories (but I was thin then!!!).

      "It's Complicated." Yes, now I remember the name. Wanted to sit in her kitchen and EAT; loved that house, too. The director...I think her name is Nancy Meyers...is known for creating these movie sets you want to live in...Something's Gotta Give was one, I'm kinda thinking another was You've Got Mail. There's a blog I visit sometimes called Hooked On Houses and she's got the lowdown on all that. Like, that Spanish-vintage house in It's Complicated was supposed to be in Santa Barbara...I used to live there; it could have been; looked authentic...but it's actually in the area where Justin Bieber is thinking about having his next party pad if he doesn't get deported (it's an area further outside of L.A. with greater acreage).

      Delete
  11. Oh my! Love a reuben! This looks to die for...

    ReplyDelete
  12. Janet- I have never commented on a blog before but feel the need to do so here. You are truly an inspiration to me and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. There are so many times when I stop and ask myself "what would Janet do, think, buy?" I am in my mid-forties, divorced, and have raised two beautiful daughters on my own. With my youngest off to college next year, I will be selling my house and greatly downsizing, which is greatly needed. I work for a non-profit with abused children, not a high paying job but very rewarding. At first the thought of downsizing and budgeting was such a scary thought. Now, after reading your blog, I look forward to creating a peaceful, happy, cozy life for myself. I am following so much of your advice- recipe, fashion, skincare, home decorating- and have found myself to me so much more lighthearted, calm, and happy. Thanks for sharing your world with me and for being my hero!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Janet....On a totally different subject...where did you get your living room couch and chairs? I love the slip covered look!

    I have to agree with everyone - your blog is my favorite. I love all of your recent posts! Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Oh I LOVE reubens. I make mine with tempeh though (and a mild sourdough bread). Never could get used to any of the seitan / deli meat slices. I also make a thousand island type sauce to go with it, since that is what i've always had growing up. mmmm. making me want a reuben!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Delicious vegan food is one reason why the number of vegans has doubled in less than 3 years. Here's a video to help everyone understand why so many people are making this life affirming choice: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKr4HZ7ukSE

    Join the revolution! 21-Day Vegan Kickstart http://www.pcrm.org/health/diets/kickstart/kickstart-programs

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you anon for these links. i'll be including them in my friday links. thanks again.

      Delete
  16. Oh my, this sandwich is deLISHious! My hubby and I enjoyed them for dinner tonight with slaw made with Vegenaise. We couldn't move quick enough to make seconds! Thank you for sharing. I've just found your blog and am enjoying my visits.
    Sarah from VA

    ReplyDelete

kindness is never out of style.

Back to Top