Creamy Reuben Soup

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Introduction:
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Creamy Reuben Soup, a hearty and warming dish that transforms the classic Reuben sandwich into a velvety soup. Combining tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and the signature richness of Swiss cheese, this soup offers all the delicious components of a Reuben in a bowl—perfect for cozy, chilly days. Whether you’re a fan of the iconic sandwich or simply love trying new comfort food recipes, this soup is sure to satisfy your cravings with its creamy texture and savory depth of flavor.

Perfect for family gatherings, easy dinners, or impressing guests at a brunch, Creamy Reuben Soup brings a taste of the deli right to your kitchen in a warm and satisfying form.

Ingredients:

To make this indulgent soup, you’ll need 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 (or substitute homemade corned beef or shredded brisket)
  • 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:

Follow these steps to create a bowl of Creamy Reuben Soup that will have your family coming back for seconds!

  1. Melt Butter: In a 6-quart Dutch oven or soup pot, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Once melted, add the 1 cup chopped onions and 1 cup chopped carrots. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.
  2. Sauté Garlic: Add 1 tablespoon minced garlic to the pot and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Create a Roux: Gradually add 1/4 cup flour, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Allow the flour to cook for 1-2 minutes to form a smooth roux.
  4. Add Broth and Meat: Slowly pour in 4 1/2 cups chicken broth, stirring to combine. Then, add the 1 pound chopped corned beef, 1 can drained sauerkraut, 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds, 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing, and 1 large bay leaf. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
  5. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the carrots are tender.
  6. Finish with Cream: Off the heat, stir in 1 cup heavy cream and discard the bay leaf. Stir well to combine the creamy ingredients into the soup base.
  7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each with 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese. The cheese will melt into the soup, adding a luxurious texture and flavor.

Flavor Enhancements:

For extra depth and complexity, consider incorporating one or more of these enhancements:

  • Worcestershire Sauce: A splash of Worcestershire sauce will add a tangy, savory note that complements the flavors of the corned beef and sauerkraut.
  • Dijon Mustard: A teaspoon of Dijon mustard can provide a mild heat and additional richness to the soup.
  • Fresh Herbs: Garnish your soup with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

Corned Beef Alternatives:

If you can’t find deli-style corned beef, don’t worry! You can easily substitute it with:

  • Homemade Corned Beef: If you have the time, homemade corned beef will elevate the soup’s flavor even further.
  • Shredded Brisket: For a variation on the classic, shredded brisket can stand in for corned beef and offer a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile.

Thickening the Soup:

If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can adjust the recipe by:

  • Increasing the Flour: Add a little more flour to the roux to create a thicker base.
  • Reducing the Broth: Use slightly less broth to keep the soup from becoming too thin.

Serving Suggestions:

Creamy Reuben Soup pairs beautifully with:

  • Crusty Rye Bread: The classic pairing with Reuben sandwiches, rye bread adds a perfect crunchy contrast to the creamy soup.
  • Side Salad: A light side salad with fresh greens and a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the soup.

For extra flair, top the soup with more shredded Swiss cheese or fresh herbs like chives or parsley for a colorful garnish.

Storage and Freezing:

Storage:

  • Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the texture creamy.

Freezing:

  • If you plan to freeze the soup, omit the heavy cream before freezing, as cream can separate when frozen. When reheating, stir in the cream for the desired consistency.

Conclusion:

Creamy Reuben Soup is the ultimate comfort food that offers all the flavors of the classic Reuben sandwich in a warm, velvety bowl. The combination of tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese creates a deliciously creamy and hearty soup perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly day or for a gathering with family and friends, this soup is sure to impress with its rich, satisfying flavor.

Enjoy this cozy, crowd-pleasing dish and bring the taste of a deli right to your home with Creamy Reuben Soup!

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