The Constanza Recipe
Pastrami, Kraut, Swiss, Thousand Island on a Toasted Rye
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Ingredients
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Sandwich
Thousand Island Dressing
Optional / To Finish
Method
Thousand Island Dressing
- 1
Make dressing
In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon ketchup, 1 teaspoon sweet pickle relish, 1 teaspoon finely minced shallot (or red onion), 1 teaspoon white vinegar, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce and a dash of hot sauce if using. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir until smooth and taste; adjust salt, pepper, or acidity if needed. Chill while you assemble the sandwich.
Prepare components
- 2
- 3
Warm pastrami (optional)
If using cold deli pastrami, you can warm it for better texture: heat a skillet over medium heat, add the pastrami in an even layer and warm for 1–2 minutes per side until just heated through. Alternatively, steam slices for 30–60 seconds.
Assemble & Cook
- 4
Butter bread
Spread softened butter evenly on the outside faces of each rye slice (one side of each slice). This will create a golden, crisp exterior when toasting.
- 5
Build sandwich
Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, on a cutting board. On the inside face, spread about half of the Thousand Island dressing. If using, spread 1 teaspoon coarse mustard on the other slice's inside face. Layer the warmed pastrami evenly over the dressing. Top pastrami with drained sauerkraut (about 1 cup, distributed evenly). Place the two slices of Swiss cheese over the sauerkraut (you can place one slice on each side or both on top). Spread remaining dressing on the other bread slice's inside if desired, then place buttered side up and close the sandwich.
- 6
Toast sandwich
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low to medium heat. Place the sandwich in the pan and cook 3–4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt. Press gently with a spatula or use a heavy pan on top to compress the sandwich slightly. Flip carefully and cook another 3–4 minutes until the second side is golden and cheese is fully melted. If the crust is browning before cheese melts, lower the heat and cover the pan for a minute to trap heat and finish melting.
- 7
Rest & serve
Transfer the sandwich to a cutting board and let rest 1 minute, then cut in half on the diagonal. Serve immediately with pickle spears and any remaining Thousand Island on the side.