Pastrami is a beloved deli meat that has been enjoyed for generations. This iconic meat is made from beef that has been seasoned and smoked, giving it a unique flavor and texture. While pastrami is delicious on its own, it is often served as part of a traditional deli sandwich or as a platter with a variety of sides.
If you’re wondering what to serve with pastrami, you’re not alone. There are many different options that complement the rich, savory flavor of this meat. From classic condiments like mustard and pickles to more adventurous dishes like coleslaw and potato salad, the possibilities are endless. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best foods to pair with pastrami for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Classic Sides: Potato Salad and Coleslaw
When it comes to serving pastrami, there are a number of classic sides that you can add to the plate. Potato salad and coleslaw are two sides that are often served with pastrami in delis and restaurants. These sides are perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, and casual get-togethers.
Potato salad is a classic side dish that is perfect for pairing with pastrami. It’s a cold salad made with boiled potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, and some spices. Some potato salads also have additional ingredients like onions, celery, pickles, and bacon. The creamy and tangy taste of potato salad compliments the savory and salty flavor of pastrami. Coleslaw, on the other hand, is a cold salad made with shredded cabbage, carrot, and mayonnaise. It has a crisp and refreshing texture that pairs well with the smoky flavor of pastrami. If you’re looking for classic sides to serve with pastrami, potato salad and coleslaw are great options to consider.
Bread and Mustard Pairings: Rye Bread and Spicy Brown Mustard
If you are a fan of pastrami, then you know that bread and mustard are crucial pairings that must not be overlooked. To truly savor the flavor of this classic deli meat, it’s important to choose the right type of bread and mustard that complements it perfectly.
When it comes to bread, rye is undoubtedly the best choice. Its robust flavor and texture offer the perfect balance to the savory and salty flavor of pastrami. Rye bread also has a slightly sour tang that cuts through the richness of the meat, making it a match made in heaven. To enhance the flavor even further, toast the bread lightly to give it a crispy texture.
As for the mustard, spicy brown is the way to go. Its bold flavor and subtle heat add depth to the pastrami, highlighting its delicate nuances. Dijon mustard is also a popular choice as it has a smoother texture and slightly sharper flavor. Regardless of which one you choose, just make sure it’s not overly sweet or mild as it won’t do justice to the pastrami’s flavor. The combination of rye bread and spicy brown mustard elevates pastrami to a whole new level, making it a classic that will never go out of style.
Pickled Vegetables: Adding Acid and Crunch
Pickled vegetables are a perfect accompaniment to pastrami. The acidity and crunch of the pickled veggies cut through the richness of the smoked meat and add a tangy flavor that will enhance your pastrami experience. Some popular pickled vegetable options include cucumbers, carrots, radishes, and onions.
To make your own pickled vegetables, simply slice your preferred vegetable thinly and place them in a jar with vinegar, water, salt, and sugar. Let them sit in the fridge for a day or two before serving. You can also buy pre-made pickled vegetables from the grocery store. Some other pickled items that pair well with pastrami are dill pickles and sauerkraut. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your own pickling recipes to find your perfect pastrami pairing.
Soup Complements: Matzo Ball Soup and Chicken Noodle
Soup compliments can provide a warm, comforting addition to your pastrami sandwich meal. Two options that pair particularly well with this savory meat are matzo ball soup and chicken noodle soup. Matzo ball soup is a traditional Jewish dish made from chicken broth, vegetables, and matzo ball dumplings. The savory broth and tender matzo balls are flavorful enough to match the strong taste of pastrami and provide a nice contrast in texture. If you want something a little more substantial, chicken noodle soup is another great option. The chicken broth and tender noodles create a light yet flavorful soup that complements the salty and savory flavor of the pastrami.
Both of these soup options are easy to make at home or can be found in many delis or restaurants. They offer a comforting warmth and heartiness that can help balance out the strong and intense taste of pastrami. If you’re looking for a lighter option, matzo ball soup may be the way to go, but if you want something a little more filling, chicken noodle soup has got you covered.
Deli Sandwiches: A Side of Fries or Chips
When it comes to deli sandwiches, a side of fries or chips is practically a must-have. The crispy, salty goodness of potato-based sides pairs perfectly with the rich, savory flavor of pastrami. French fries are a classic choice that never disappoints, but you can also opt for sweet potato fries or curly fries for a fun twist.
If you’re looking for a healthier option, baked chips or vegetable chips are a delicious alternative. Pair your choice of fries or chips with a side of dipping sauce, such as ketchup, mayonnaise, or mustard, for an extra burst of flavor. With a side of fries or chips, your pastrami sandwich is sure to be a satisfying meal that will leave you feeling full and happy.
Beverage Match-Ups: Beer or Dr. Brown’s Soda
Pastrami is undoubtedly a delicious meat, well balanced in flavour and aroma. Whether you are on a low-carb diet or simply looking to indulge in a hearty sandwich, selecting the perfect beverage pairing can add the perfect finishing touch to your meal. There are a variety of drinks that pair well with pastrami, but two strong contenders are beer and Dr. Brown’s Soda.
If you’re looking for a beverage that can cut through the richness and spices of pastrami, beer should be your top pick. The bitterness in beer acts as a palate cleanser, which ensures that each bite of your meal feels as appetizing as the first. Lagers, pilsners, and pale ales are the best for pastrami. The light and crisp taste of lagers and pilsners complement the flavour of the meat perfectly while pale ales provide a hoppy finish.
Dr. Brown’s Soda is a classic pastrami sandwich beverage. This soda has a unique blend of flavours that pairs well with the spices in the meat. The sweetness of this soda cools the spiciness of the pastrami and provides a refreshing, bold flavour to each bite. You can easily balance the sweet and savoury flavours with Dr. Brown’s Soda, which makes it an excellent beverage option.
Pickle Power: Why a Pickle Platter is a Must-Have.
Pickle Power: Why a Pickle Platter is a Must-Have
Pickle lovers rejoice! A pickle platter pairs perfectly with pastrami, and it’s no wonder why. Pastrami is a bold and flavorful meat that can be both salty and peppery, while pickles offer a tangy and sour contrast, cutting through the richness and creating a perfect balance of flavors.
In addition to taste, pickles also offer digestion benefits, as the vinegar in pickles has been shown to aid in the breakdown of proteins. So not only does a pickle platter complement your pastrami sandwich perfectly, but it also helps you digest it better. Whether you prefer dill, sour, or sweet pickles, or a mix of all three, a pickle platter is a must-have when serving pastrami.
Conclusion
Pastrami, as a classic deli meat, can be tricky to pair up with the right food to create a balanced meal. However, the task is not as daunting as it seems. With the right ingredients and the right preparation, one can create a lip-smacking dish that is sure to leave all pastrami lovers craving for more.
In conclusion, whether you choose to serve pastrami as a wholesome sandwich with a good spread, on top of a pizza, or sliced alongside a good plate of fries, the secret is to stay true to your taste buds and have fun with your meal. So, go on and experiment until you find your perfect pastrami pairing, and rest assured that you will be hitting all the right notes with every bite.