Creamy Reuben Soup is a lower-carb version of this favorite deli sandwich!
I first heard of Reuben Soup from a co-worker about five years ago. She ordered it when out to lunch one day (the name of the restaurant where she had it escapes me! It was somewhere in downtown Buffalo though), and her description of it sounded amazing. She raved about it every single day for at least a week straight, lol.
Cabbage, sauerkraut, and corned beef in a flavorful broth topped with a giant crouton covered in melted Swiss cheese…I can see why she was obsessed! I’m a fan of Reuben sandwiches, so this was right up my alley and I’ve been meaning to make my own version since she told me about it.
For this recipe, I went with a lower-carb version: I skipped the giant crouton! (I used a potato to add a bit of body to the soup, but you can skip it to make this even lower in carbs.) I added a bit of cream so I left out the sauerkraut (as I thought it might end up curdling the soup), but I speak from experience when I say that a generous spoonful of sauerkraut on top is a fabulous addition. For au gratin style, you can top each bowl (make sure the bowls you use are broiler-safe!) with Swiss cheese and broil until melted. It's delicious either way.
Here’s the au gratin version…mmm, melty cheese.
If you’re planning to make a classic corned beef dinner on St. Paddy’s Day, be sure to save leftovers for this soup…and if you’re not, just go ahead and get corned beef from the deli counter. And heads-up, this is also delicious made with pastrami instead of corned beef!
- 2 tablespoons clarified butter (ghee) or neutral-flavored oil (like avocado oil)
- 1 lb/450 g savoy cabbage (about half of a medium head), chopped
- 1 medium-large onion, diced
- 2 large celery stalks, diced
- 1 large clove garlic, crushed or grated
- 4 cups (32 oz/950 ml) unsalted beef broth (I used Swanson)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon caraway seeds
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pinch ground cloves
- 1 (1 lb/225 g) starchy potato (such as Russet), peeled, halved, and thinly sliced
- ¼ lb (115 g) cooked corned beef (leftover or from the deli), chopped (you can also use pastrami)
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- Add the clarified butter to a 5-quart soup pot over medium-high to high heat. Add the cabbage, onion, and celery and cook until the vegetables are starting to soften and caramelize in places, about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds more, stirring constantly.
- Add the broth, Worcestershire, salt, caraway seeds, black pepper, cloves, and potato. Bring to a boil, and then cover the pot, turn the heat down to simmer, and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 20 to 30 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the corned beef and cream.
- Serve.
Serving Tip: Top each bowl with a generous spoonful of sauerkraut before serving!
Allie | In This Kitchen says
Ahh, reuben soup! It's perfect! Pinning this immediately to my soups board.
Diane says
That sounds brilliant, will give it a try. Thanks for sharing Diane
Nutmeg Nanny says
This is an awesome way to use up corned beef! I have never had reuben soup but I feel like this needs to change ASAP!
Krista says
This is a great recipe! Can't wait to try it out!
Carrie @Frugal Foodie Mama says
This soup sounds AH-mazing! I have never heard of Reuben soup before, but now I know I totally need to try it. :)
Chiara says
I wonder if I could find corned beef somewhere here in Switzerland... the gratin version of the soup looks so good!
Laurie says
You can make your own corned beef. It is not very difficult. Just Google the recipe.
Katerina @ Diethood says
Oh! That just looks so dang goooood! And what an impressive variation on the classic!!
Justine | Cooking and Beer says
OK, this is BRILLIANT. I'm so happy you shared this with us. We go crazy for reubens in our house, and this is just over the top!
Kevin | Keviniscooking says
I think I'd make some rye bread croutons and call it a day! Love this idea. :)
Becky Hardin | The Cookie Rookie says
What a great variation
Amanda | The Chunky Chef says
Reuben's are my Dad's favorite sandwich... I think I'll make this for him! :)