Vegetarian Reuben Sandwich(Virgin Reuben)

Ingredients:

Sauerkraut

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 small onion, thinly sliced

1 garlic clove, thinly sliced

1 lb sauerkraut, drained and rinsed

1 sweet apple, peeled, and grated (optional)

generous pinch allspice

salt

fresh ground black pepper

Russian Dressing

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon chili sauce (or ketchup or try Thai chili sauce for a kick)

1 dash hot sauce

1 tablespoon fresh chives, minced

1 tablespoon fresh dill, minced (optional)

2 teaspoons capers, chopped

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Sandwiches

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (optional)

12 slices tempeh bacon (you can leave this out or use veggie bacon, tofu bacon, seitan or wham=vegetarian ham)

1 -2 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened

8 slices rye bread (or pumpernickel bread)

12 slices dill pickles

2 cups grated swiss cheese (8 ounces)

kosher salt

fresh ground black pepper

Directions:

1 Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan on medium heat.

2 Add the onion and garlic; cook until golden brown, about 15 minutes.

3 Add the sauerkraut, apple(if using), and allspice, season with salt and a generous grinding of black pepper.

4 Cook until sauerkraut is tender, lightly browned and all the liquid has evaporated, about 15 minutes more(you want all the liquid gone).

5 For the Russian dressing:.

6 Mix all the dressing ingredients together, cover and chill until ready to use.

7 For the Sandwich:.

8 Heat a grill pan on medium low heat.

9 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. If using other options, cook as directed.

10 Spread some butter on 1 side of each slice of bread. Place 4 pieces, buttered side down, on a work surface. Spread some of the Russian dressing on. Evenly lay the pickles, tempeh(or other options) if using, sauerkraut, and then cheese on top. Top with second slice of bread, to make 4 sandwiches.

11 Place the sandwiches on the grill and cook about 2-3 minutes on each side, turning once so both sides get nice and golden brown, about 4-6 minutes total.

12 Serve hot. Enjoy!