The Reuben Sandwich Has a Cousin.

The Rachel sandwich is the cousin sandwich to the Reuben — that American Jewish deli staple made with rye bread, corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing (although, these days, you’re just as likely to find it made with Thousand Island).

Instead of corned beef, the Rachel calls for pastrami, and subs coleslaw for the sauerkraut. That’s already a win for me — pastrami’s bold spicing is always welcome in any sandwich.

Some argue that the Rachel can also be made with turkey — either sliced from the deli counter or from a roasted bird. In some states, like Michigan, a turkey Reuben is known as a “Georgia Reuben” or a “California Reuben,” instead — in some cases, barbecue sauce or French dressing replace the Russian. Others say that a Rachel swaps rye for white sourdough, though I consider this a step too far.