National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day

About National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day
When is National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day? This holiday is always observed on January 14
Are you getting hungry? If so, that’s good because today is National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day. On this January 14 holiday, sink your teeth into a real deli treat. Pastrami is a delicious, old-fashioned deli meat. It tantalizes the taste buds. Pastrami is a Jewish creation. It was originally made ages ago, as a way to preserve meat. Over time, the rest of the world discovered how good it tastes. Now, it is carried at virtually all delicatessens and grocery stores. Like any other food holiday, the best way to enjoy this holiday is to eat a hot pastrami sandwich… or two.
The process of making pastrami takes several days. The process includes soaking the meat in brine, rubbing it with a variety of spices, smoking, and curing the meat. From start to finish, the whole process takes several days. But, it is well worth the effort. The result is a tender, juicy, and mouth-watering treat.
You can enjoy this deli meat in a variety of ways. You can enjoy it as the main course for dinner tonight. It is an ingredient in some soup recipes. And, Pastrami is the perfect cold cut for a charcuterie board. Or, have a cold sandwich. But, in keeping with today’s holiday, we recommend you have a piping hot pastrami sandwich.
Did You Know? A hot pastrami sandwich is commonly called “The Rachel”. No one knows why.
What is Pastrami?
Pastrami is a meat. The word pastrami originates from the Romanian Jewish delicacy “pastram” which means “pressed meat”. We often refer to it as a “Cold Cut” or a “Deli Meat”. Processors usually make it from beef. Specifically, it comes from the navel end or “plate cut” of a brisket. However, it is sometimes made from the round or short rib of a cow. And, you can also make it from other meats, like lamb, pork, or turkey.
There is a long process to making it. From start to finish it takes six to seven days to make it. First, you brine the meat. Next, rub it with garlic, salt, sugar, and a variety of other spices. Then, you smoke it for six to eight hours and dry cure the pastrami. Finally, cook it by either boiling or steaming it.
The History of the Pastrami Sandwich
Originally, pastrami was made as a way to preserve meat. In the 1880s, Jewish immigrants from Romania brought the process of making pastrami to New York City. Then in 1887, Sussman Volk a Kosher butcher who immigrated to America from Lithuania, made the first hot pastrami sandwich in the United States. A Russian friend gave him a recipe for making hot pastrami sandwiches. Volk made and sold hot pastrami sandwiches from his butcher shop. It was an instant success. It was such a success that he converted his butcher shop into a successful restaurant. Pastrami did not remain just a Jewish favorite for long. Once the general public sampled it, they came to love it, too.
Pastrami is very popular among Jewish communities. It is served at Bar Mitzvahs, weddings, and many other Jewish events and celebrations. Pastrami is a popular cold cut. It is available at virtually all delis and many grocery stores. Cold and hot pastrami sandwiches are on the luncheon menu of countless diners and restaurants.
How to Make a Traditional Hot Pastrami Sandwich
First, it is important to note that pastrami and corned beef are very similar. Therefore, a hot pastrami sandwich and a Rueben Grill are also similar. So, if you know how to make one of these sandwiches, you know how to make the other.
Start with rye bread, toasted or untoasted. You can select plain rye, seeded rye, marbled rye, or a rye sandwich roll. Next, heat up a few slices of pastrami and cole slaw. Place the hot pastrami and cole slaw on the bottom slice of rye bread. Add some Russian dressing. Next, add a slice of Swiss cheese. Then, place another slice of rye bread on top. Finish off your meal with a dill pickle slice and potato chips on the side.
Tip: Place the Swiss cheese on top of the pastrami as you heat it. This sandwich tastes best when the cheese is melted.
Note: There are many variations to the basic recipe above.
Ways to Participate in National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day
Her are some great ways to celebrate and enjoy National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day:
- Go to your favorite diner or deli and order a hot pastrami sandwich for lunch.
- Go to your local deli and pick some up. Then, serve it to your family for dinner tonight.
- Add it to a charcuterie board.
- Ask people you know if they’ve ever had pastrami. You may be surprised how many people have never tried it. Give them a sample.
- Pictures, we want pictures. Share pictures of you enjoying a hot pastrami sandwich on social media. It will encourage your family and friends to participate in this delicious food holiday.
Today's Quote
“If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun.” – – Katharine Hepburn
History and Origin of National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day
Our research did not find the creator of this day or any detailed history of its creation. One can only speculate. The most likely creator, is someone who loves hot pastrami sandwiches.
We traced the roots of this holiday back to 2010. While we did not find earlier references, we suspect this holiday originated before 2010.
There is no evidence to suggest that this is truly a “National” day, which requires either a presidential proclamation or an act of Congress. We found no congressional records or presidential proclamation about this special day.
Definition of “National” Days – Learn why it is important to distinguish true National days.
This Day in History
In addition to National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day, here are some things that happened on this day:
- The United States of America ratifies a treaty with England ending the Revolutionary War. (1784)
- The Miami Dolphins defeat the Washington Redskins in Superbowl VII, and become the first undefeated team in NFL history. (1973)
- LL Cool J, born James Todd Smith. singer, actor television series NCIS Los Angeles was born on this day in (1968)
Related Holidays
People who like National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day will also like:
More January 14 Holidays
In addition to National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day, here is another January 14 holiday we are sure you will enjoy:
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Did You Know? There are literally thousands of daily holidays, special events, and observances, more than one for every day of the year. and many of these holidays are new. People and organizations are creating new holidays regularly. January holidays are no exception. Consequently, at Holiday Insights, we take great efforts to thoroughly research and document the details of each one, as completely and accurately as possible.