Creamy Reuben Soup Bowl (Print Version)

A hearty blend of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and rye croutons in a creamy broth.

# Ingredients:

→ Soup Base

01 - 32 ounces low-sodium chicken or beef stock
02 - 1 pound cooked corned beef or pastrami, diced, fat removed
03 - 8 ounces sauerkraut, rinsed and drained
04 - 1 yellow onion, chopped
05 - 4 carrots, chopped
06 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
08 - 1 bay leaf

→ Thickening

09 - 1/3 cup cold water
10 - 1/4 cup cornstarch

→ Creamy and Cheese

11 - 1 cup heavy cream
12 - 12 ounces Swiss cheese, sliced

→ Fat

13 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

→ Croutons

14 - 6 slices marbled rye bread
15 - 2 to 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil or melted butter
16 - Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Steps:

01 - Heat extra-virgin olive oil in a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Sauté chopped onion and carrots until softened, about 7 to 9 minutes.
02 - Add minced garlic and diced corned beef or pastrami. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, seasoning with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and dried oregano.
03 - Pour in the chicken or beef stock and stir in sauerkraut and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 20 minutes.
04 - In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water until smooth to create a slurry. Remove bay leaf from soup, then gradually whisk in the slurry. Cook, stirring, for 5 to 10 minutes, until the soup thickens.
05 - Stir in heavy cream and Swiss cheese. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted and soup is heated through.
06 - Cut marbled rye bread into cubes. Toss with extra-virgin olive oil or melted butter and season with salt and black pepper. Toast croutons in a skillet or on a baking sheet until golden brown. Top each serving with rye croutons and serve hot.

# Notes:

01 - For best results, rinse and drain the sauerkraut well to balance flavor and saltiness.