Creamy Reuben Soup: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Sandwich
The Creamy Reuben Soup is a hearty, comforting dish that takes all the beloved flavors of a traditional Reuben sandwich and transforms them into a creamy, rich soup. With tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and a smooth, creamy broth, this soup is perfect for chilly days and offers a warm, satisfying meal that is easy to prepare and full of flavor. Whether you’re craving something new for dinner or want to enjoy the taste of a classic deli sandwich in soup form, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients for Creamy Reuben Soup
To make this delectable Creamy Reuben Soup, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 cup peeled and chopped carrots
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 pound chopped deli corned beef
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can sauerkraut, drained
- 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds
- 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing
- 1 large bay leaf
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
Instructions for Making Creamy Reuben Soup
1. Sauté the Vegetables
Begin by preparing your vegetables. Chop the yellow onion and carrots into small pieces. In a large soup pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the chopped onions and carrots. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onions become soft and translucent, and the carrots begin to soften.
Add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant. This will enhance the depth of flavor in the soup.
2. Make the Roux
Next, add the all-purpose flour to the pot, stirring constantly to combine with the vegetables. This will create a roux, which helps thicken the soup. Continue cooking the flour mixture for about 1-2 minutes, allowing it to turn golden without burning.
3. Add the Chicken Broth
Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring continuously to prevent any lumps from forming. This will create the base of your soup. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. The broth will begin to thicken as the flour and butter mixture continues to cook.
4. Add the Corned Beef and Sauerkraut
Once the soup base has thickened slightly, add in the chopped deli corned beef and the drained sauerkraut. These are the key ingredients that give the soup its signature Reuben flavor. Stir to combine, making sure the corned beef is evenly distributed throughout the soup.
Add caraway seeds to give the soup a subtle, authentic Reuben flavor. The caraway seeds bring a distinct, slightly nutty taste that pairs perfectly with the tangy sauerkraut.
5. Stir in the Thousand Island Dressing and Bay Leaf
To add richness and a touch of sweetness, stir in the Thousand Island dressing. This ingredient mimics the creamy, tangy sauce often found in Reuben sandwiches and gives the soup a delightful depth of flavor.
Add a bay leaf for an additional layer of savory taste. Let the soup simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Add the Cream and Swiss Cheese
Once the soup has simmered and the flavors have developed, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. The cream will give the soup its smooth, velvety texture. Then, gradually add the shredded Swiss cheese, stirring until it melts completely into the soup.
The Swiss cheese will add a rich, creamy flavor that perfectly complements the tangy sauerkraut and savory corned beef. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup reaches your desired thickness and the cheese is fully incorporated.
7. Remove the Bay Leaf and Serve
Before serving, be sure to remove the bay leaf from the soup. It’s important to discard the bay leaf as it is not meant to be eaten. Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and garnish with additional Swiss cheese, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of extra Thousand Island dressing if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Creamy Reuben Soup
- Adjust the thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a bit more flour to the roux, or cook the soup a little longer to allow it to reduce. For a thinner soup, add more chicken broth or cream.
- Use quality corned beef: The flavor of the corned beef is one of the stars of the soup, so be sure to use fresh, high-quality deli corned beef for the best taste.
- Substitute with other meats: While corned beef is traditional for Reuben sandwiches, you can experiment with other meats like pastrami or turkey for a different variation of this soup.
- Customize the sauerkraut: If you prefer a milder or less tangy flavor, you can rinse the sauerkraut before adding it to the soup.
Why This Creamy Reuben Soup is Perfect for Any Occasion
This Creamy Reuben Soup is the ideal dish for a cozy dinner, a comforting lunch, or a unique party appetizer. It combines the best elements of a Reuben sandwich—corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing—into a warm, creamy soup that will leave everyone craving more. Whether you’re a fan of the classic sandwich or simply enjoy rich, hearty soups, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household.
The soup’s creamy texture, savory flavors, and satisfying ingredients make it a perfect comfort food for chilly days, and it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. It’s also a great way to switch up the traditional Reuben sandwich and experience a fresh, new take on this deli favorite.
Conclusion
Indulge in the delicious flavors of this Creamy Reuben Soup and enjoy a bowl of comfort that’s both hearty and satisfying. With its rich, creamy base, tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese, this soup brings the irresistible flavors of the classic Reuben sandwich into a warm, comforting dish. Perfect for cold days or whenever you’re craving something indulgent, this soup will quickly become a beloved recipe in your collection.