Reuben Soup

A creamy and comforting Reuben Soup is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. This hearty dish combines the flavors of corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and rich Swiss cheese into one delightful bowl. With its creamy texture and savory notes, this soup is sure to impress everyone at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Get dinner on the table in just 40 minutes, making it an ideal choice for weeknight meals.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of beef broth, cream, and Swiss cheese creates a deeply satisfying taste experience.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or serve as a starter to your favorite meal.
• Comforting and Filling: This soup warms you up and keeps you satisfied with its hearty ingredients.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to add more veggies or swap out ingredients to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking so much easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential items you’ll need to make this Reuben Soup.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: A must-have for cooking soups, allowing ample space for all the ingredients to blend together perfectly.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware while also providing good control when mixing.
• Knife: Ensures precise chopping of vegetables and meats, which leads to even cooking.

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth

Flavor Enhancers

• 1 cup sauerkraut, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup cooked corned beef, diced
• 1 cup diced potatoes
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Creamy Finish

• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make Reuben Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Warm the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 2: Simmer the Broth

Add the beef broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the diced potatoes, sauerkraut, corned beef, caraway seeds, and thyme. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.

Step 3: Add Creaminess

Lower the heat to a gentle setting. Stir in the heavy cream and Swiss cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is rich and creamy.

Step 4: Season to Taste

Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Serve It Up

Serve hot in bowls garnished with freshly chopped parsley for an appealing finish. Enjoy immediately!

How to Serve Reuben Soup

Reuben Soup is a delightful dish that warms the soul and satisfies your taste buds. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

With Crusty Bread

• Serve the soup alongside slices of rustic, crusty bread for dipping. The bread will soak up the creamy goodness of the soup.

Garnished with Pickles

• Add a few dill pickles on the side. Their tangy crunch complements the rich flavors of the soup perfectly.

Topped with Extra Cheese

• Sprinkle additional shredded Swiss cheese on top right before serving. Let it melt slightly for an extra cheesy finish.

Accompanied by a Salad

• Pair your soup with a light salad, such as a simple mixed greens salad dressed with vinaigrette. This adds freshness and balances the richness of the soup.

Drizzled with Hot Sauce

• For those who enjoy a bit of heat, offer hot sauce on the side. A few drops can enhance the flavor profile of the soup.

How to Perfect Reuben Soup

To make your Reuben Soup even more delicious, consider these handy tips.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality beef broth and fresh ingredients for a richer flavor.
• Balance Flavors: Taste as you cook and adjust salt and pepper gradually to achieve perfect seasoning.
• Don’t Overcook Potatoes: Ensure potatoes are tender but not mushy for ideal texture in your soup.
• Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to add other herbs like dill or parsley to enhance aroma and taste.
• Blend for Smoothness: For an ultra-creamy texture, blend part of the soup before adding cream and cheese.

Best Side Dishes for Reuben Soup

Complementing your Reuben Soup with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Garlic Bread
   A classic choice, garlic bread adds flavor and is perfect for dipping into the soup.
2. Coleslaw
   A crisp coleslaw provides a crunchy contrast that pairs well with the creamy soup.
3. Potato Chips
   Crunchy potato chips bring a delightful texture contrast while enhancing the meal’s comfort feel.
4. Roasted Vegetables
   Roasted seasonal vegetables add color and nutrition, balancing out the richness of the soup.
5. Cornbread
   Sweet cornbread offers a nice contrast to savory flavors in Reuben Soup and is perfect for soaking up broth.
6. Fruit Salad
   A light fruit salad can refresh your palate after each hearty spoonful of soup, making it an excellent side option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make the best Reuben Soup, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the flavor and texture.

• Bold ingredient prep: Not chopping ingredients uniformly can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure that all vegetables and proteins are cut into similar sizes for consistent results.
• Bold seasoning timing: Adding salt too early can make your soup overly salty as it simmers. Season towards the end of cooking to keep flavors balanced.
• Bold temperature control: Cooking at too high a temperature may cause the cream to curdle. Always use low to medium heat when adding dairy products for a creamy texture.
• Bold broth quality: Using low-quality or overly salty broth can ruin your soup’s depth of flavor. Opt for homemade or low-sodium options for better results.
• Bold storage methods: Storing soup incorrectly can lead to spoilage. Use airtight containers and refrigerate promptly after cooling to maintain freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Reuben Soup

• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Reuben Soup

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and transfer the soup into an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between until hot.
• Stovetop: Transfer soup back into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Reuben Soup.

What is Reuben Soup?

Reuben Soup is a creamy, hearty dish inspired by the classic Reuben sandwich, featuring flavors of corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese.

Can I substitute ingredients in Reuben Soup?

Yes! You can use different meats like turkey or skip meat entirely for a vegetarian version. Experiment with cheeses or add more vegetables as desired.

How do I thicken my Reuben Soup?

For a thicker consistency, you can blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender or add additional potatoes during cooking.

Can I make Reuben Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! Making it ahead allows flavors to meld beautifully. Just store it properly and reheat before serving.

Is Reuben Soup suitable for freezing?

Yes! This soup freezes well; just be sure to store it in airtight containers and cool it completely before freezing.

Final Thoughts

Reuben Soup offers a delightful twist on the traditional sandwich, providing creamy comfort in every spoonful. It’s versatile—feel free to customize it with your favorite proteins or additional veggies. We encourage you to try this recipe for an easy weeknight meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table!