Today I was supposed to meet a friend at a deli for lunch, but unfortunately my friend had to cancel because of illness. This left me with a hankering for a nice, hot deli-style pastrami sandwich. I had some Meal Mart pastrami in my fridge and decided to make my own.
In the past, I've microwaved the meat to get it nice and hot, just like in the delis. But that just doesn't cut it. The best delis don't nuke their pastrami after all, they steam it. So I made myself a makeshift steamer using a pot and a colander.
First, bring a small amount of water, about 2 inches, to boil. Remove the lid and place a mesh colander over the pot. I used one with a plastic rim, but the steam can warp it so it's best to use a metal one. Place the meat in the colander and then cover it with the lid. In a few minutes you'll have steamed pastrami ready to go on rye bread, roll or to enjoy just on its own.I enjoyed mine on a challah roll with a side of my red-cabbage coleslaw, leftover from Shabbat.
Enjoy!
*EDIT: I have just learned - and I am shamed that I did not know this soon - that Jan. 14 was National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day. Consider yourselves now well-prepared for next year!
