Name: Revamped Russian Dressing
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 tsp brown sugar; 2 tsp celery seed; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 4 tsp lemon juice; 4 tsp Worcestershire; 1 tsp molasses; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 8 oz tomato sauce; 1/4 cup shallot, finely chopped; 2 tsp chopped/crushed chipotle with adobo sauce

Years ago, when I was working at Moe’s Deli up on Frankford Avenue, we’d make all kinds of sandwiches, including Reubens and “Specials” with corned beef or pastrami. One ingredient of those sandwiches, “Russian Dressing”, fell out of favor over the years- you can’t even find it in the market anymore. This sauce is all natural and packs a real punch of flavor! This is one of the recipes in Bob Johnson’s cookbook, The Left Over Ranch Cookbook: Memories on a Plate in The Basics chapter. Try it on our Mountain Guide’s Reuben sandwich recipe.

Revamped Russian Dressing Recipe in the Left Over Ranch Cookbook

Bob Johnson

Revamped Russian Dressing

Russian Dressing has nearly disappeared from store shelves but it shouldn't have, this all natural homemade version packed with smoky chipotle, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire is better than anything that ever came in a bottle. Inspired by years of making Reubens and corned beef specials at Moe's Deli on Frankford Avenue in Philadelphia.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings: 12

Course: Basics, Condiments

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

2 tsp brown sugar
2 tsp celery seed
1 tsp smoked paprika
4 tsp lemon juice
4 tsp Worcestershire
1 tsp molasses
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
8 oz tomato sauce
1/4 cup shallot, finely chopped
2 tsp chopped/crushed chipotle with adobo sauce

Equipment

small saucepan
Mason jar for storage

Method

Combine and boil. Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan and stir well to combine. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
Simmer. Reduce heat to a medium simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Store. Transfer to a clean mason jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.

Notes

Russian Dressing was once a staple of every great deli counter but has nearly vanished from supermarket shelves, making your own takes about 20 minutes and the result is far superior to anything store bought. This dressing is a natural on a classic Reuben or corned beef special, but don't stop there, it's wonderful as a dipping sauce, a burger topping, or spooned over leftover roast beef. This recipe appears in the Basics chapter of the Left Over Ranch Cookbook. Try it on our Mountain Guide's Reuben sandwich recipe.