Vegetarian Reuben Sandwich

Sauerkraut

 * 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
 * 1 small onion, thinly sliced
 * 1 clove garlic, thinly sliced
 * 1 pound bag sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
 * 1 sweet apple, peeled, and grated
 * generous pinch allspice
 * salt and freshly ground black pepper

Russian dressing

 * ¼ cup mayonnaise
 * 1 tablespoon chili sauce or ketchup
 * dash hot sauce
 * 1 tablespoon minced fresh chives and/or fresh dill
 * 2 teaspoons capers, chopped
 * 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Sandwiches

 * 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, optional
 * 12 slices tempeh "bacon", optional
 * 1 to 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
 * 8 slices rye bread
 * 12 slices dill pickle
 * 2 cups grated Swiss cheese (8 ounces)
 * kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Sauerkraut

 * 1) Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
 * 2) Add the onion and garlic and cook until golden brown, about 15 minutes.
 * 3) Add the sauerkraut, apple, and allspice, season with salt and a generous grinding of pepper.
 * 4) Cook until sauerkraut is tender, lightly browned and all the liquid has evaporated, about 15 minutes more.

Russian dressing

 * 1) Mix all the dressing ingredients together, cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Sandwiches

 * 1) Preheat broiler to low.
 * 2) 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.
 * 3) Transfer to paper towels.
 * 4) Spread some butter on 1 side of each slice of bread.
 * 5) Place 4 pieces, buttered side down, on a foil-lined baking sheet.
 * 6) Spread some of the Russian dressing on the sides facing up.
 * 7) Evenly lay the pickles, tempeh if using, sauerkraut, and then cheese on top.
 * 8) Place the open faced sandwiched under the broiler and cook until the cheese melts, about 2 minutes.
 * 9) Remove the baking sheet from the broiler.
 * 10) Spread the rest of the dressing on the uncovered side of the 4 remaining bread slices, place on top melted cheese, buttered side up to finish the sandwiches.
 * 11) Return to the broiler and toast sandwich, turning once so both sides get nice and golden brown, about 2 minutes total, serve hot.