Ingredients
Sweet Potato Pastrami
- 2 sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
- 2 tablespoons mustard seeds
- 2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Celtic sea salt OR Himalayan pink salt
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/8 teaspoon cloves
Sandwich
- 8 slices bread
- 2 cups sauerkraut
- 1 cup Thousand Island Dressing (vegan or regular)
- Butter (vegan or regular) for spreading
Instructions
- Make the Pastrami Spice Mix: Add the coriander seeds and mustard seeds to a spice grinder or blender and pulse until they form a coarse grind. In a bowl, combine the coarse ground seeds with black pepper, sea salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cloves. Mix well to create the pastrami spice blend.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper to prevent sticking. This will make baking the sweet potato slices easier.
- Slice Sweet Potatoes: Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice the sweet potatoes very thin lengthwise, about 1/8 inch thick. Lay the slices evenly on the prepared baking sheets.
- Season the Sweet Potatoes: Lightly spray one side of the sweet potato slices with water, then sprinkle a generous amount of the pastrami spice mix on top. Flip the slices, spray the other side with water, and sprinkle with more spice mix to coat both sides evenly.
- Bake the Sweet Potatoes: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the slices are tender and chewy with a slightly crisp edge. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Butter one side of each bread slice with vegan or regular butter. Place one slice of bread in the skillet, butter side down.
- Layer the Fillings: On the bread in the skillet, spread a spoonful of Thousand Island dressing, then add 1/4 of the sweet potato pastrami slices, followed by 1/4 of the sauerkraut, and another spoonful of dressing on top.
- Grill the Sandwich: Place the second slice of bread on top, butter side up. Cook until the bottom bread slice is golden brown, then carefully flip the sandwich. Cook the other side until it is also golden brown and the sandwich is heated through.
- Repeat and Serve: Repeat the layering and grilling process for the remaining sandwiches. Serve warm and enjoy your Sweet Potato Pastrami Reuben Sandwiches.
Notes
- For best results, slice the sweet potatoes as evenly as possible to ensure uniform cooking.
- Use vegan butter and Thousand Island dressing to keep this recipe fully plant-based and vegan.
- Adjust the spice levels in the pastrami seasoning to your taste preference.
- Use a mandoline slicer for quick, consistent slices of sweet potato if available.
- Store any leftover baked sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan