In the realm of Latin American cuisine, there exists a culinary delight that brings together flavors and textures in perfect harmony - the Elena Ruz sandwich. This delectable creation, originating from the vibrant streets of Caracas, Venezuela, has captivated taste buds for generations and earned its place as a beloved national treasure. Consisting of two crispy slices of bread enveloping a symphony of fillings, the Elena Ruz sandwich is a journey through contrasting yet complementary sensations. Indulge in the savory embrace of shredded beef, the tangy kick of pickled vegetables, the creamy caress of avocado, and the subtle heat of peppers, all harmoniously united by a special house-made sauce. Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure with our curated collection of Elena Ruz sandwich recipes, each offering unique interpretations of this iconic Venezuelan treat. Whether you prefer traditional methods or crave culinary innovation, our recipes will guide you through the art of crafting this exceptional sandwich, ensuring an unforgettable taste experience that will transport you to the vibrant streets of Venezuela.
Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!
ELENA RUTH SANDWICH
I love to watch the Food Network and I saw this sandwich on one of their programs. I did not catch the name of the restaurant, but the story behind this sandwich was interesting. It said that this sandwich was created for "fussy eater" A father used to take his daughter to lunch on Saturdays at this popular restaurant in Havana, Cuba (before Castro) and the daughter was a fussy eater so there were very few things she liked. She loved strawberry jam, so the father asked the waiter to come up with a sandwich for her and so the Elena Ruth sandwich was born. I have not tried it, but when I saw the recipe, I knew it was something that I would like, however, I am not a fussy eater! The amounts of each ingredient are really to your own taste. I have estimated for the sake of the recipe format. I believe the cuban bread would be Midnight sandwich bread or any sweet bread that you like. If you try this, I hope you enjoy it! Addendum: I am adding an explanation of the difference between jam and jelly for our International members. Jam vs. jelly and then there are preserves too! All are made with fruit mixed with sugar and pectin The difference comes from the form the fruit takes. In jelly, the fruit is in the form of fruit juice, so the product is set and is smooth and sometimes slightly opaque. In jam, the fruit is in the form of fruit pulp or crushed fruit. The product is not as stiff as jelly. Preserves are made of chunks of fruit set in a syrup (made of fruit juices) or in a jam. As for the recipe, I believe it is stated to use the jam so the recipe would be true to the original way it was prepared.
Provided by Bobtail
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 10m
Yield 1 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Spread cream cheese on one side of the bread.
- Next spread the jam on the same side of the bread.
- Follow with the turkey breast.
- Orginially, the sandwich would be pressed with a sandwich press till warm and toasted, similar to a pannini sandwich.
- If you do not have a press, then you can toast it in the oven till warm.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 288.5, Fat 9, SaturatedFat 3.9, Cholesterol 52.8, Sodium 97.3, Carbohydrate 37.7, Fiber 0.6, Sugar 26.6, Protein 13.5
ELENA RUZ SANDWICH (CUBAN TURKEY SANDWICH)
This is a strange combination, but trust me, it is very good! The story goes that Elena Ruz, a society young socialite for which the sandwich is named, would stop at this little all-night restaurant, El Carmelo, in Vedado neighborhood in Havana Cuba, after leaving the dance with her group of friends. She asked the waiter if he could fix her this sandwich after she told them how to make it. After that she would always ask for the Elena Ruz Sandwich and to this day that is how the sandwich is known. This recipe has been printed on many of the Cuban Food web sites. It is great for leftover turkey. Update 03/13/2006 you can also use sweet rolls(the kind you use for a media noche). However, the real McCoy is white bread without crusts and lightly toasted and then the cream cheese would be spread, then the turkey and strawberry jelly on the other slice and voila!
Provided by Manami
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 5m
Yield 1 sandwich, 1 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Spread 1 slice of toasted white bread generously with cream cheese and the other slice with the strawberry preserves.
- Place the turkey slices in the middle, close and ENJOY!
CLASSIC ELENA RUZ SANDWICHES
Provided by Food Network
Time 20m
Yield 8 sandwiches
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Preheat a griddle over medium-high heat.
- Spread the bottoms of the rolls with approximately 1 tablespoon cream cheese each and the tops with approximately 1 tablespoon strawberry preserves each. Top the cream cheese side of each sandwich with 4 ounces turkey.
- Close the sandwiches. Coat the outsides of the rolls with mayonnaise on both the bottom and the top. Place on the hot griddle and press down with a heavy pot to flatten the sandwiches.
- Cook until golden brown on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. Slice the sandwiches and serve.
ELENA RUZ SANDWICH
During the late 1920s or early 1930s, the Cuban socialite Elena Ruz Valdés-Fauli asked for a sandwich with turkey, strawberry preserves and cream cheese in a soft medianoche roll at El Carmelo restaurant in Havana. The sandwich was an original request - it didn't yet exist on menus in Cuba - but it eventually became something of a beloved national dish. Like other popular Cuban dishes, it combines the sweet and the salty. Some Cuban chefs say that it lends itself to adaptation and experimentation with other jams and sandwich meats. It's best enjoyed with plantain chips and a Cuban soda, such as Materva or Ironbeer.
Provided by Christina Morales
Time 10m
Yield 1 sandwich
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Slice or split the bread roll in half to fill as a sandwich. Spread a 1/3-inch-thick layer of cream cheese on the bottom half. Lay turkey neatly on top of the cream cheese. Do not overfill the sandwich. Evenly spread jam on the top half of the bread and sandwich with the bottom.
- In a pan over medium-low heat, melt butter, swirling to evenly coat the pan. Place the sandwich bottom side down in the pan and press it with a spatula or a cast-iron skillet. Heat to warm the sandwich, until the bottom is lightly toasted but not burned, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Flip the sandwich and repeat with the other side. Remove from the heat, cut the sandwich in half at an angle and serve immediately.
Tips:
- When choosing bread, opt for a hearty and flavorful variety such as sourdough or whole wheat. This will help stand up to the bold flavors of the sandwich.
- Use high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor. Look for ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella cheese.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different toppings. Roasted red peppers, grilled zucchini, and even slices of hard-boiled egg are all great additions to this sandwich.
- If you're making the sandwich ahead of time, be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help prevent the bread from drying out.
- For a vegetarian version of this sandwich, omit the prosciutto and add roasted vegetables instead.
Conclusion:
The Elena Ruz sandwich is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. With its combination of fresh ingredients and bold flavors, it's sure to become a favorite in your home. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give this sandwich a try.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love