Sauerkraut:
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1 clove garlic, thinly sliced
1 pound bag sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
1 sweet apple, peeled, and grated
Generous pinch allspice
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Russian Dressing:
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon chili sauce or ketchup
Dash hot sauce
1 tablespoon minced fresh chives and/or fresh dill
2 teaspoons capers, chopped
1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
Sandwiches:
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, optional
12 slices tempeh bacon, optional
1 to 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
8 slices rye bread
12 slices dill pickle
2 cups grated Swiss cheese (8 ounces)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the sauerkraut:
Preheat broiler to low.
If using the tempeh: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, and cook the tempeh, in batches as needed, until crispy golden brown, about 3 minutes. Transfer to paper towels.
Spread some butter on 1 side of each slice of bread. Place 4 pieces, buttered side down, on a foil-lined baking sheet. Spread some of the Russian dressing on the sides facing up. Evenly lay the pickles, tempeh if using, sauerkraut, and then cheese on top. Place the open faced sandwiched under the broiler and cook until the cheese melts, about 2 minutes. Remove the baking sheet from the broiler. Spread the rest of the dressing on the uncovered side of the 4 remaining bread slices, place on top melted cheese, buttered side up to finish the sandwiches. Return to the broiler and toast sandwich, turning once so both sides get nice and golden brown, about 2 minutes total, serve hot.
Copyright 2005 Television Food Network, G.P. All rights reserved.
