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I adore a good Reuben, probably more than the average girl. To me, it doesn’t get much better than hitting up a good deli for lunch, and about half the time I end up ordering a Reuben (and being tempted to do so the other half of the time). But I have to admit, I’ve never made a one at home until now.
***Please take a moment to vote for my sandwich in the Saucy Mama Recipe Contest — thank you!***
When Saucy Mama recently asked me if I wanted to participate in their “Skinny Mama – Cooking with Mustard” contest I knew I wanted to take a classic favorite and make it healthier, which is exactly what I did with this sandwich.
First, I eliminated one piece of bread per serving by making my sandwich open-face. I also toasted the bread instead of grilling it with butter. I used chicken breast cutlets instead of corned beef (or pastrami, if you swing that way…but I’m a corned beef girl). Instead of sauerkraut, I sautéed up a fresh cabbage mixture (love kraut and it’s incredibly healthy too, but it’s a little high in sodium so I opted for fresh cabbage), that also served double duty as a side dish (which is so much healthier than the chips that usually come with a Reuben at a deli!). Lastly, I made my own Reuben sauce, basically just my version of a lightened up Russian dressing. It’s delicious and just may replace Russian (or Thousand Island) dressing in your recipe reserves…and you can probably guess the secret ingredient. :)
Here are the nutrition stats per serving (please note that these numbers are approximate, as I am not a nutritionist):
Calories: 414
Total Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 78mg
Sodium: 1153mg
Total Carbohydrate: 38g
Dietary Fiber: 5g
Sugars: 18g
Protein: 37g
Serves 4
1 1/2 tablespoons canola oil, divided
1 1/4 lbs green cabbage, cored and chopped into thin shreds
1 medium onion, halved and thinly sliced
4 tablespoons organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar, lightly packed
2 tablespoons Saucy Mama Tarragon Lemon Mustard
1 teaspoon caraway seeds
1/4 plus 1/8 teaspoon salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon ground marjoram
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, divided
4 (about 4 oz) chicken breast cutlets
4 slices Rye bread, toasted
4 slices reduced-fat Swiss cheese
Reuben Sauce
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Reuben Sauce:
2 tablespoons Saucy Mama Tarragon Lemon Mustard
2 tablespoons light mayo
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 baby reduced-sodium dill pickle, minced
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (optional; more or less to taste)
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Add the cabbage, onion, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, mustard, caraway seeds, 1/4 teaspoon salt, marjoram, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Cook until the cabbage starts to soften (about 5 minutes), then turn the heat down to low, cover the pot, and cook until tender (about 25 to 30 minutes), stirring occasionally. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as desired.
Heat the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken on both sides with the remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden on both sides and fully cooked in the center (there should be no pink), about 2 to 4 minutes per side.
Preheat the broiler. Mix together all ingredients for the Reuben Sauce, then spread a bit on each of the four slices of bread; place 1 chicken breast on top of each. Spread 1/2 cup of the cabbage mixture on top of each chicken breast and top each with 1 slice of cheese. Broil a couple minutes until the cheese is melted.
Sprinkle the parsley on top; serve the open-faced sandwiches with the extra Reuben sauce to drizzle on top. Divide the remaining cabbage into 4 equal portions and serve it as a side dish along with the sandwiches.
* * * * *
And for the giveaway, Saucy Mama is giving away three bottles of their delicious mustard to one lucky reader.
You don’t need to have a blog to enter this giveaway! To participate, you can do any or all of the following; please leave a separate comment for each so I can count it as another entry:
- Leave a comment telling me your favorite condiment.
- Leave a comment telling me your favorite healthy meal.
- “Like” me on Facebook and leave a comment here letting me know. (Or just let me know if you already like me on Facebook.)
- “Like” Saucy Mama on Facebook and leave a comment here letting me know. (Or just let me know if you already like them on Facebook.)
- Follow me on Twitter and leave a comment here letting me know. (Or just let me know if you’re already a follower on Twitter.)
This giveaway ends Monday, March 5 at 9PM EST; after that the winner will be randomly chosen and notified by email. Good luck to all!
Disclaimer: I received a sampling of Saucy Mama mustards for free from Saucy Mama, and they are also sponsoring this giveaway; as always, opinions stated are my own.
I’m the writer, recipe developer, photographer, and food stylist behind this blog. I love finding the human connection through something we all do every day: eat! Food is a common ground that we can all relate to, and our tables tell a story. It’s my goal to inspire you to get in the kitchen, try something new, and find a favorite you didn’t know you had.
Free Bonus
Oh your sandwhich looks good. Not such a fan of Rueben or sandwiches in general but good luck in the comp>
Coincidentally enough, my husband was just saying he hasn’t had a good Reuben in a long time. Gotta show him this one. A healthful version is definitely one to enjoy on a regular basis.
I already follow on twitter (Mommy24babies)
I liked Saucy Mama on FB
Already like you on FB (Dee Wright-Wise)
My favorite healthy dish is tilapia stir fry. It’s quick, easy, and delicious. I boil the tilapia in the bag, and cook up various veggies and then just add it to the pan. Doesn’t take more than 20 mins.
That looks delicious and that sauce sounds like it would be good for a variety of things (I love sauces!).
My favorite condiment (right now) is garlic butter sauce.
Fun giveaway! My favorite condiment right now is caramelized balsamic onions. I could smother anything with that stuff, any meal, any day.
And I follow you on twitter.
My favorite healthy meal is a brown rice salad that I adore!
my favorite healthy meal is pan-fried fish in olive oil with seasoning, and a side of veggies like broccoli or green beans sprinkled with garlic salt.
Love your unique ideas of lightening up this classic sandwich! It really sounds like a winner! My favorite condiment is hummus-makes a great spread on wraps!
I also follow you on Twitter!
If the giveaway is open to Canadians, I’d love to win this! Mustard is one of my favorite condiments – the other is mango chutney!
Mmmmmm guess what we will be having for lunch today. I live too far away for the offer:( Diane
Favorite healthy meal is my everyday breakfast: plain yogurt + banana + granola + honey.
liked saucy mama!
already like you on FB!
I am going to be making Reubens every day from now on since you’ve reinvented a healthy version of it! I can never seem to get enough of a good Reuben sandwich either. Yours looks amazing with all the sauce. I love the idea of an open faced Reuben. Perfect with the mustard!
My favorite condiment… not to be cliche, but it’s actually mustard! I love dijon mustard and I basically put it on everything :)
My favorite healthy meal? Hmm, that’s tough. Anything with kale!
You can beat a Ruben! I love to dip my fries in honey mustard.
Mimi
An excellent healthy version of Reuben, I love that you make the sandwich open-faced. Awesome!
I’m following you on twitter https://twitter.com/#!/QueenEpicure
Yum! I love mustard
is apple butter a condiment? what about chutney? i like the sweet stuff. :)
My favorite condiment is Thai sweet chili sauce, but I love using mustard to make salad dressings.
My favorite healthy meal is turkey lettuce wraps – you can infuse them with all types of different flavors! :)
My favorite condiment is BBQ sauce! I love using it in different ways and for dipping things :)
My favorite healthy meal is pan seared salmon with roasted asparagus. MMMMMMM!!
Dijon Mustard is the best condiment. Especially if it has a nice bite!
I’m already following you on Twitter!
I like your page on Facebook!
I love grilled chicken with rice! Add a simple sauce over the top and some grilled veggies and I’m a happy camper!
Mustard is my favorite condiment…I’d rather have it than ketchup or mayo any day!
I like Saucy Mama on FB
I already like you on FB
I like homemade chicken soup as a healthy meal.
Mayo is my favorite, plain or any flavored type. mustard is tied with ketchup for second place.
Hi Faith,
Love how you adapted the traditional Reuben into this very healthful–but still full flavored version.
My favorite condiment? a toss up between ketchup and coarse grain mustard—but I’ll pick the mustard–it’s more versatile.
Dear Faith, This is much healthier and looks very delicious! It is a great lunch. Blessings my dear, Catherine xo
WOW! Faith this looks so good! I love how you turned it into a healthier Reuben. People nowadays should learn from you and start to live a healthier lifestyle but without giving up their favorite foods. Great work!
I typically tend to avoid sandwiches like these at delis because of how utterly and awfully caloric they are, but you’ve done a rockstar job lightening this up!
A great looking Reuben!
My favorite healthy meal is an egg white omelet
My favorite condiment is Frank’s hot sauce.
Faith,
That is one awesome and healthy Reuben. Fantastic job. And your photography is out-of-control. Holy crap, you make my stuff look like the dog’s dinner.
Bravo.
A favourite healthy meal is baked salmon with roasted veggies on the side.
My favourite condiment is definitely mustard. I love squeezing it on slices of swiss cheese!
I also like Saucy Mama on Facebook.
I like you on Facebook!
My favourite healthy meal is a big Mexican style salad with lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, spicy beans, and a little grated cheese. Yum!
My favourite condiment is garlic mayonnaise – with chips for dipping :)
Can’t remember the last time I had a Reuben, your version sure does look good. How wonderful you’ve shaved off a few calories and some fat, I do appreciate that:-)
I love Frank’s Red Hot. I put it on everything!
My favorite healthy meal would probably be grilled chicken with a honey mustard sauce alongside wild rice pilaf and steamed broccoli!
I have lots of favorite condiments, but one that I can put at the top of my list would have to be BBQ sauce!!
Yes, YES! I heart pastrami Reubens with a passion. If I didn’t care so much about my health, I would eat it for at least 3 square meals a day. Yum!
My favorite condiment is any spicy, grainy brown mustard.
My favorite healthy meal is grilled chicken breasts and roasted asparagus. My favorite healthy but not quite as healthy meal is anything with flank steak.
My ultimate favoriate condiment is remoulade sauce, but when I don’t/can’t indulge my go-to is mustard.
I love a good reuben. I will have to try your version with the chicken because I usually have that on hand
This sandwich looks wonderful, Faith! I’ve never tried a Reuben before….. ;)
I love reuben sandwiches, too, but have never made them at home. I admit that a little guilt always follows the enjoyment of eating one so your healthier version is quite appealing. I would be very happy to have this for lunch today. :)
Great job Faith! You’ve definitely cut the calories! I don’t think I’ve seen many Reuben’s in melbourne and definitely not in Hong Kong :) But I remember having one in New York so I know why you’re a reuben girl and hahaha i’m with definitely corn beef all the way ~
A mouthwatering Reuben! It looks so good.
Cheers,
Rosa
Gorgeous sandwich! The chicken replacement is a good one. I am between mustard and salsa- adore both!
My favorite condiment really is mustard…I have been using one from Westbrae that’s pretty darn good, but hey, I haven’t heard of Saucy Mama…
Hi darlin! I LOVE Reuben’s too!!! :-) My favorite condiment is ANY kind of good, quality grainy mustard. Mmm. :-)