Please help round-out pastrami meal, i.e. sides

[jjdbike]

Hello folks,

We're hosting a dinner w/ neighbors to celebrate our friend's birthday. I have two corned beef flats in the freezer which I am going to make smoked - SV pastrami out of. I do not have a meat slicer and not doing the sliced thin on sandwiches.

I'm thinking slice like brisket flat and serve as main course.

What do you recommend to fill out the meal? Mashed potatoes? Fried mashed potatoes pancakes? Grilled veggies? Sauerkraut? Cole slaw? I really have no idea. What would you suggest?

Thanks in advance!
JD

[fzxdoc]

Good comfort food like Funeral Potatoes, Bourbon Baked Beans (without the raisins and backing down on the amounts of sweet ingredients), and Brookville Hotel Cole Slaw.

Eating pastrami like brisket is a delicious way to go, although there's nothing like a Reuben, even with 1/8 inch slices. (I don't own a meat slicer either)

Kathryn

[RonB]

The loaded baked potato salad in the below link is really good although I will probably add a bit more mayo next time - for moistness, not flavor.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xl0TTag8Gks&t=167s

[troymeister]

You pretty much already nailed it. Latkes (Potato Pancakes) would be real good, can't go wrong with sauerkraut, who doesn't like grilled veggies? A Cider Braised Red Cabbage is good too... But I think you already answered your own question.

[LA Pork Butt]

I am thinking make Rubin sandwiches.

[barelfly]

Sauerkraut FTW!!!!!!!

sounds like a great time and meal!

[Murdy]

Smoked Cabbage:

https://barbecuebible.com/recipe/barbecued-cabbage/

[hoovarmin]

I've always wanted to try that.

[TripleB]

Matzo ball soup.

[ecowper]

+100

[bbqLuv]

This has to be the correct answer because AI Copilot told me so.

When enjoying a delicious pastrami sandwich, it’s essential to pair it with the right side dishes. Here are some delightful options to complement your pastrami experience:

1. Potato Salad: A classic choice! Creamy potato salad with mayo, mustard, crunchy veggies, and hard-boiled eggs pairs wonderfully with smoky pastrami¹.

1. Macaroni Salad: Another classic side—chilled macaroni salad. Customize it with ingredients like eggs, cheese, carrots, or tomatoes¹.

1. Coleslaw: Creamy and crunchy slaw complements strong-flavored meats like pastrami. Serve it on the side or even in the sandwich itself for an amazing combo¹.

1. Potato Chips: Opt for salt and pepper or sour cream flavors. Insider tip: Try putting the chips inside the sandwich for a delightful crunch with each bite¹.

[Troutman]

Yea except he doesn't want to do pastrami sandwiches ....

[bbqLuv]

No problem, leave the bread off. They're good sides for Pastrami, never-the-less

[shify]

All you need is rye bread, brown deli mustard and sour pickles!!!

But seriously, I would stick with the deli vibes - Potato Latkes, vinegar based cole slaw, definitely some real pickles

[ecowper]

The greatest pastrami sammich I've ever had was at Katz deli. The second greatest was at Carnegie deli. In both cases, they do not slice the pastrami thin. It's sliced by hand with a knife and it's 1/8" or so. And piled high. Smeared with deli mustard. On rye. Along side it, I normally have potato salad and a pickle. But you wouldn't go wrong with latkes, macaroni salad, sauerkraut, roast potatoes, vinegar Cole slaw, or fruit salad. Heck, sometimes I get a bowl of matzo ball soup and my pastrami sammich! Whatever you do, make sure there are some good kosher pickles on hand!

Pastrami sammich, pickles, latkes, matzo soup at Katz

[Troutman]

I agree with the Reuben route but since you don't seem to want to pursue that I suggest treating it like a corn beef dinner. Classic corn beef is usually served with German potatoes or potato salad, sauerkraut of course, maybe some steamed cabbage, and veggies like carrots. Go old school German !!!

[ecowper]

you forgot the pickles

[jjdbike]

Thanks everyone!
I’m smoking 2. I’ll desalinate 24 hours. Rub and let sit on drying rack in fridge for a couple days. I’llsmoke till through stall and bark is well developed. I’ll vacuum pac. SV the one to serve the next day. I’ll freeze & save the other for Rubin’s at a later date.
Cheers!
JD