Pastrami, that smoky, savory, and intensely flavorful cured meat, holds a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of food lovers worldwide. But enjoying pastrami isn’t just about the meat itself; it’s about the symphony of flavors that surround it. Finding the perfect accompaniments can elevate a simple pastrami sandwich or platter into a truly unforgettable culinary experience. So, what exactly goes best with pastrami? Let’s embark on a mouthwatering exploration.
The Indispensable Sandwich Companions
The classic pastrami on rye is a masterpiece in its own right. But even masterpieces can benefit from complementary elements. The key here is balance – finding flavors and textures that enhance the richness of the pastrami without overpowering it.
The Bread: A Foundation of Flavor
Rye bread is, without a doubt, the traditional and most beloved choice for pastrami sandwiches. Its slightly sour and earthy notes provide a beautiful contrast to the fatty, smoky meat. However, not all rye breads are created equal. Look for a good quality rye with a slightly chewy texture and a noticeable, but not overwhelming, rye flavor. Light rye can be too subtle, while dark rye might compete too much with the pastrami. A seeded rye offers a delightful textural contrast and adds another layer of flavor.
While rye reigns supreme, other breads can also work in a pinch. Pumpernickel, with its deep, molasses-like sweetness, can be an interesting alternative, especially when paired with a spicier mustard. Sourdough, with its tangy profile, also provides a pleasant counterpoint to the pastrami’s richness.
The Mustard: A Zesty Kick
Mustard is arguably the most important condiment for a pastrami sandwich. It cuts through the fat and adds a necessary zing that brightens the entire experience. But which mustard is best? The answer depends on your personal preference, but there are a few classic choices.
Spicy brown mustard, with its coarse texture and bold, peppery flavor, is a very popular choice. It provides a significant kick that complements the smokiness of the pastrami. Yellow mustard, while often overlooked, can also work well, especially in smaller quantities. Its mild flavor won’t compete with the pastrami, but it still offers a welcome tang.
For those who prefer a sweeter profile, a honey mustard can be a delightful option. The sweetness balances the saltiness of the pastrami, creating a harmonious flavor combination. And for the truly adventurous, horseradish mustard offers an intense, sinus-clearing experience that is not for the faint of heart.
The Pickle: A Briny Counterpoint
A good pickle is an essential sidekick to any pastrami sandwich. Its briny, sour flavor provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, fatty meat. A classic dill pickle is the most common and arguably the most perfect choice. Look for a pickle that is crisp, sour, and garlicky, with a good snap when you bite into it. Half-sour pickles, which are fermented for a shorter period of time, offer a milder, fresher flavor.
Beyond dill pickles, other pickled vegetables can also complement pastrami. Pickled green tomatoes, with their tart and slightly vegetal flavor, can be a surprising and delicious addition. Pickled onions, with their sweet and tangy profile, can add a welcome bite. Even pickled peppers, with their spicy kick, can work well for those who enjoy a little heat.
Beyond the Sandwich: Pastrami Platters and Sides
Pastrami isn’t just for sandwiches. It can also be enjoyed on a platter, accompanied by a variety of sides that complement its rich flavor. When creating a pastrami platter, consider offering a mix of textures and flavors to create a well-rounded and satisfying experience.
Classic Sides: The Time-Tested Favorites
Some sides are simply meant to be with pastrami. These classic pairings have stood the test of time for a reason – they simply work.
Coleslaw, with its creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor, is a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the pastrami. A good coleslaw should be crisp, not soggy, and should have a balanced dressing that is not too sweet or too sour.
Potato salad, another classic side, offers a creamy and comforting complement to the pastrami. A classic potato salad with mayonnaise, mustard, celery, and onion is a safe bet, but you can also experiment with different variations, such as German potato salad with bacon and vinegar.
Macaroni salad, with its creamy, cheesy, and slightly sweet flavor, can also be a good choice, especially for those who enjoy a richer side.
Vegetable Accompaniments: Adding Freshness and Balance
Adding vegetables to your pastrami platter is a great way to add freshness, texture, and nutritional value.
Roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, and potatoes, can provide a hearty and flavorful counterpoint to the pastrami. Roasting the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and adds a smoky char that complements the pastrami’s flavor.
Steamed or grilled asparagus, with its slightly bitter and grassy flavor, can provide a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the meat.
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can also be a welcome addition, providing a palate cleanser between bites of pastrami.
Cheese Pairings: Adding Another Layer of Flavor
While not traditionally served with pastrami, certain cheeses can actually complement its flavor quite well.
Swiss cheese, with its mild, nutty flavor, is a classic pairing for pastrami sandwiches. Its subtle flavor doesn’t overpower the pastrami, but it adds a creamy texture and a pleasant nutty note.
Provolone cheese, with its slightly sharper and more robust flavor, can also work well, especially when melted on a pastrami sandwich.
For those who enjoy a stronger flavor, a sharp cheddar cheese can also be a good choice, but use it sparingly, as it can easily overpower the pastrami.
Other Interesting Pairings: Thinking Outside the Box
Don’t be afraid to experiment with other pairings beyond the classics. The key is to find flavors and textures that complement the pastrami without overpowering it.
Applesauce, with its sweet and tart flavor, can be a surprising and delightful addition to a pastrami platter. Its sweetness balances the saltiness of the pastrami, creating a harmonious flavor combination.
Sauerkraut, with its sour and tangy flavor, can also be a good choice, especially for those who enjoy a fermented flavor.
Even a simple side of rye crackers or toasted baguette slices can be a great way to enjoy pastrami on a platter.
Drinks That Complement Pastrami
The right beverage can make all the difference when enjoying pastrami. Consider these thirst-quenching options to enhance your culinary experience.
Classic Choices: Soda and Beer
For many, a cold soda is the quintessential pairing with a pastrami sandwich. Cola, with its sweet and slightly acidic flavor, cuts through the richness of the meat and provides a refreshing counterpoint. Dr. Pepper, with its unique blend of flavors, can also be a good choice.
Beer is another popular option. A lager, with its clean and crisp flavor, is a safe bet, but you can also experiment with other styles. An IPA, with its hoppy bitterness, can cut through the fat and provide a refreshing contrast. A dark beer, such as a stout or porter, can also complement the smoky flavor of the pastrami.
Wine Pairings: Elevating the Experience
While not as common as soda or beer, wine can also be a great pairing with pastrami. The key is to choose a wine that is acidic enough to cut through the richness of the meat, but also has enough fruit to balance the saltiness.
A dry rosé, with its bright acidity and fruity notes, is a versatile choice that can work well with pastrami. A light-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir or Beaujolais, can also be a good option. Its earthy notes and bright acidity can complement the pastrami’s flavor without overpowering it.
Other Refreshing Options: Tea and Lemonade
Iced tea, unsweetened or lightly sweetened, can be a refreshing and palate-cleansing choice. Its tannins can help to cut through the richness of the pastrami.
Lemonade, with its tart and refreshing flavor, can also be a good option, especially on a hot day. Its acidity balances the saltiness of the pastrami, creating a harmonious flavor combination.
In conclusion, the perfect accompaniments to pastrami depend on your personal preferences. However, by considering the principles of balance and contrast, you can create a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Whether you’re enjoying a classic pastrami on rye or a more elaborate pastrami platter, the right sides and beverages can elevate your meal to new heights. So, experiment, explore, and discover your own perfect pairings. Happy eating!
What are some classic bread choices to pair with pastrami?
Traditional pastrami sandwiches often feature rye bread, particularly light or seeded rye. The slight tang and earthy notes of rye complement the rich, smoky flavor of the pastrami beautifully. A hearty rye bread also provides structural integrity, holding up well against the juicy, fatty nature of the meat.
Other good options include sourdough, which offers a similar tanginess, or even a crusty roll for a more substantial bite. The key is to choose a bread that can stand up to the pastrami without overpowering it. Consider the bread’s texture as well – a slightly chewy bread adds a pleasing contrast to the tender pastrami.
Besides mustard, what other condiments enhance a pastrami sandwich?
While yellow mustard is a classic pairing, horseradish cream provides a spicier, more pungent alternative that cuts through the richness of the pastrami. A tangy Russian dressing, especially when combined with coleslaw in a Reuben-style sandwich, adds a creamy and flavorful element.
Pickles, whether dill or sweet, offer a refreshing contrast to the savory pastrami. Some people also enjoy a touch of hot sauce for added heat. Experimenting with different condiments can significantly alter the overall flavor profile of the sandwich, allowing you to customize it to your personal preferences.
What are some delicious side dishes to serve alongside pastrami?
Coleslaw is a classic side dish that provides a cool, crunchy counterpoint to the rich and fatty pastrami. Its creamy dressing and slightly sweet flavor complement the savory meat. Another excellent option is potato salad, particularly one with a tangy vinegar-based dressing.
Pickled vegetables, such as cucumbers, onions, or even beets, offer a refreshing and acidic contrast to the richness of the pastrami. For a heartier side, consider potato latkes or even a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. The goal is to choose side dishes that balance the flavors and textures of the pastrami.
Can you suggest some cheese pairings that work well with pastrami?
Swiss cheese is a common and readily available choice that pairs nicely with pastrami, offering a mild, nutty flavor that doesn’t overwhelm the meat. Provolone, with its slightly sharper taste, can also be a good option, adding a subtle complexity to the sandwich.
For a bolder pairing, consider Gruyere, which has a rich, nutty, and slightly salty flavor that complements the smoky pastrami. Alternatively, a creamy Havarti cheese can provide a smooth and mild contrast. The best cheese pairing often depends on personal preference and the other ingredients in the sandwich.
What are some beverage pairings that complement the flavor of pastrami?
A classic pairing is a crisp, cold beer, particularly a lager or pilsner, which helps to cut through the richness of the pastrami. The carbonation and refreshing flavor provide a cleansing contrast to the savory meat. Another excellent choice is a dry, acidic white wine, such as Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc.
For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, a tangy pickle brine or a strong black coffee can also work well. The acidity and bitterness help to balance the richness of the pastrami. Consider also a classic New York egg cream, providing a sweet and bubbly treat.
Are there any unique or unexpected flavor combinations that go well with pastrami?
While traditional pairings are popular, experimenting with unexpected flavors can lead to exciting culinary discoveries. Consider adding a smear of fig jam to a pastrami sandwich for a sweet and savory combination. The sweetness of the jam complements the smoky and salty flavor of the meat.
Another intriguing option is incorporating sauerkraut, which adds a tangy and fermented element that cuts through the richness of the pastrami. Combining pastrami with grilled pineapple can also create a surprisingly delicious sweet and savory experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own unique flavor combinations.
What are some global cuisines that offer inspiration for pastrami pairings?
Jewish delis are the traditional home of pastrami, but other cuisines can offer inspiration. Consider Korean flavors like kimchi for a spicy and fermented kick that complements the rich pastrami. The spicy and tangy nature of kimchi provides a refreshing counterpoint to the meat’s richness.
Italian cuisine offers the opportunity to pair pastrami with ingredients like pesto or roasted red peppers, creating a Mediterranean-inspired sandwich. The herbaceous pesto and sweet peppers offer contrasting flavors that enhance the pastrami’s complexity. Exploring different cultural flavor profiles can lead to exciting and innovative pastrami creations.