When it comes to comfort food with a touch of elegance, Barbra Streisand keeps things classic. Inspired by her appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Streisand revealed that her go-to sandwich is a sophisticated twist on the Rachel, the often-overlooked cousin of the Reuben.
Her version swaps pastrami for dark turkey meat and the traditional Thousand Island dressing for a zesty Russian dressing. The result? A perfectly balanced bite — rich, tangy, and undeniably comforting, just like the star herself.
Why Everyone Will Love This Sandwich
- Simple yet elegant: Only four core ingredients, but packed with flavor.
- Customizable: Enjoy it cold, warm, or grilled.
- Comfort food made classy: Streisand’s twist turns a deli favorite into a refined indulgence.
- Perfect anytime: Great for lunch, late-night cravings, or a cozy brunch.
Ingredients
- Dark turkey meat, sliced or shredded
- Coleslaw, creamy or vinegar-based (your choice)
- Russian dressing (spicier and tangier than Thousand Island)
- Rye bread, preferably seeded for extra flavor
Optional Additions
While Barbra keeps it simple, fans of the Rachel sandwich often add:
- Swiss cheese for a melty layer of richness
- A light grill or toast for crispy edges and warm filling
How to Make Barbra Streisand's 4-Ingredient Sandwich
- Lay out two slices of seeded rye bread. For a cold sandwich, keep them fresh; for a warmer version, lightly toast or grill them.
- Generously spread Russian dressing on one or both slices of rye. This bold, peppery sauce adds the perfect tang to balance the savory turkey.
- Layer on the dark turkey meat, sliced or shredded. Go heavy — Barbra wouldn’t skimp on her deli filling.
- Spoon a generous portion of coleslaw right on top of the turkey. The creamy crunch is what makes this sandwich so irresistible.
- Top with the second slice of rye bread, cut in half if desired, and serve immediately.
- For a warm, melty version, grill the sandwich on a skillet or panini press for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and crisp.
Cooking Tips
- Homemade coleslaw: Freshly made coleslaw with crisp cabbage gives the best texture.
- Go for dark turkey: It’s juicier and more flavorful than white meat.
- Don’t overdo the dressing: A thin, even layer prevents sogginess.
- Serve with chips or a pickle: A deli-style touch Barbra would definitely approve of.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a Reuben and a Rachel sandwich?
A Reuben uses corned beef and sauerkraut, while a Rachel swaps in turkey and coleslaw. Streisand’s version follows the Rachel format.
Can I use white or wheat bread instead of rye?
Yes, but rye bread adds a nutty, tangy depth that complements the other flavors beautifully.
What’s the best dressing substitute if I can’t find Russian dressing?
Use Thousand Island dressing and add a dash of hot sauce or horseradish for extra kick.
Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
You can prep the components ahead, but assemble just before serving to keep the bread from getting soggy.
Can I add cheese?
Absolutely — Swiss cheese or Provolone melt perfectly into the warm version.
How to Store
If you have leftovers, store the turkey and coleslaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble fresh before eating for best texture.
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