Simple And Easy Pastrami Sandwich Recipe

Whether you are craving a filling snack or you love experimenting with new varieties of sandwiches, go for the pastrami sandwich. Also called pastrami on rye, is a popular Jewish delicacy in New York. It is often described as New York's signature sandwich. It consists of sliced pastrami on rye bread and is usually served with mustard and Kosher dill pickle.

What's the history of pastrami sandwich?

This history of Pastrami goes further back to the 19th century. It is believed that Ottoman Turks invented this meat pastrami but as the spice trade grew, this pastrami reached eastern European countries, one of which is Romania. By the late 19th century, a Romanian immigrant named Sussman Volk introduced the recipe to Americans. He owned the first deli in New York and also opened a Jewish restaurant which gradually became a popular place to have Jewish pastrami on rye sandwiches. This is how the pastrami sandwich became the signature sandwich of New York.

What is pastrami?

Before moving to the pastrami sandwich recipe, let's find out what pastrami is. Pastrami is a kind of meat which is said to have originated from Romania. It is a cured meat which is usually made from beef brisket but it can also be made with lamb, pork, chicken or turkey. Firstly the meat is brined (i.e. the meat is treated with brine or coarse salt which preserves and seasons the food while enhancing tenderness and flavour), dried partially and then seasoned with spices and herbs. At last, it is smoked and steamed to get the perfect chicken pastrami.

Which is the best bread for a pastrami sandwich?

Sandwiches are pretty customisable, and often you can go with any bread of your choice. But if you wish to prepare the best pastrami sandwich, go for the rye bread. This would be the best bread to prepare for the classic Pastrami Sandwich. Rye bread is prepared with various proportions of rye flour and is denser and more nutritious as compared to bread made with wheat flour. It can be light or dark in colour depending upon the type of flour and colouring agent used.

What are the ingredients required for Russian dressing?

1. 1/2 cup mayo
2. 2 tablespoons ketchup-style chili sauce 
3. 1/2 tablespoon horseradish sauce
4. 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce more or less to taste
5. 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
6. 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
7. 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
8. Salt to taste

Ingredients required to make pastrami sandwich

1. 1 cup shredded coleslaw
2. 1-3 tablespoons Russian dressing
3. 2 slices of rye bread 
4. Sliced pastrami 
5. 2 slices swiss cheese

Pastrami sandwich recipe

After gathering all the pastrami sandwich ingredients, let's move to the pastrami sandwich recipe and give a treat to your taste buds with this yummy sandwich.

1. Take a deep bowl and add the ingredients for Russian dressing, which are 1/2 cup mayo, 2 tablespoons ketchup-style chilli sauce, 1/2 tablespoon horseradish sauce, 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce, 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika.
2. Whisk together all the ingredients and keep this mixture in the refrigerator until ready to use.
3. Season with salt to taste and your Russian dressing for the best pastrami sandwich is ready to be used.
4. Take another bowl, add 1 cup of shredded coleslaw and 3 tablespoons of Russian dressing. Now, toss the coleslaw with Russian dressing and keep this mixture aside.
5. Take 2 pieces of bread and spread a little Russian dressing and coleslaw mixture on one side of both the slices.
6. Now put pastrami and cheese on one piece of the bread.
7. Top with the other slice of bread that already has the coleslaw spread on it before.
8. You can enjoy it cold or heated up in an oven or skillet, totally depending upon your personal preference.

Your hearty and completely satisfying pastrami sandwich is ready to be relished. This pastrami sandwich is not only delicious but nutritious also. Just immerse yourself in this well-crafted deli treat. For a delightful combination,  you can enjoy this pastrami sandwich with pickles, caramelized onion, cheese dip, potato salad or french fries.