One of the best things about a corned beef and cabbage dinner is the left overs. Corned beef is like the Thanksgiving turkey of late winter; if you cook a larger cut of brisket, you may use it in a variety of leftovers. One of my favorites is a classic Rueben Sandwich with homemade Russian dressing. I love the spicy sweetness paired with the briny sauerkraut, melted swiss cheese, and a stack of thin sliced corned beef on a dark rye bread. I put a modern twist on the traditional dressing with the addition of a generous dose of Siracha hot sauce.

Ingredients

For the Russian Dressing
2 Tablespoons grated onion
1 Cup Mayonnaise
1/4 Cup Ketchup
4 teaspoons of prepared horseradish - the fresher the better.
1-2 teaspoons of Siracha hot sauce (more or less to your taste)
1 - 2 teaspoons of Worchestershire sauce (more or less to your taste)
1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon of sweet paprika
Dash of sea salt or pink salt

For each sandwich
2 Slices Dark Rye Bread (can use a light rye or pumpernickle if preferred)
2 Slices Swiss Cheese
1/2 Cup of Sauerkraut, drained and most of moisture pressed out
Sliced Cooked Corned Beef Brisket - Amount to your preference.
Russian Dressing
Butter

Instructions

1. Make Russian Dressing
   • Transfer onion paste to a small bowl along with mayonnaise, ketchup and horseradish.
   • Add 1 teaspoon of siracha, 1 teaspoon of Worchestershire sauce and the paprika.
   • Taste and add more siracha or Worchestershire.
   • Finish by salting to taste.
2. Assemble Sandwiches
   • Spread one slice of bread with butter and place butter down in a 8-10 inch skillet.
   • Spread bread with a teaspoon (or more) of Russian Dressing.
   • Place two slices of Swiss Cheese ontop of the dressing.
   • Add drained and pressed Sauerkraut.
   • Add desired amount of sliced corned beef.
   • Spread second slice of bread with another generous teaspoon of Russian Dressing.
   • Place bread, dressing side down on top of corned beef.
   • Butter top side of bread.
   • Grill in skillet over medium heat, flipping the bread when desired level of toasting occurs.
3. Serve with additional dressing on the side.

Note: Substitute Thousand Island Dressing for the Russian Dressing for a sweeter sandwich if preferred.