This iconic dish originates from the vibrant city of Montreal and is a beloved staple in delis and sandwich shops across Canada. Picture tender, thinly sliced smoked meat piled high on rye bread, accompanied by tangy mustard and a pickle on the side. The unique qualities of this sandwich lie in the perfectly seasoned and smoked meat, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a flavor that is unmatched. Delish!

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 11 minutes
Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 pound Montreal style smoked meat, thinly sliced (most commonly found at delis, butcher shops, or specialty stores)
Rye bread or bread of your choice
Yellow or Dijon mustard
Pickles, sliced
Optional: Swiss cheese

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Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven or a skillet on medium-high heat.
Place the slices of smoked meat on the heated surface and warm them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. This step helps to enhance the flavors and bring out the tenderness of the meat.
While the meat is warming, prepare your bread slices by toasting them lightly. You can use a toaster, oven, or grill pan for this step.
Once the meat is heated through and the bread is toasted, it’s time to assemble your sandwich. Spread a generous amount of mustard on one slice of bread.
Pile the warm smoked meat on top of the mustard, creating a thick and flavorful layer. Add slices of pickles and, if desired, some Swiss cheese for an extra layer of creaminess.
Top your sandwich with the remaining slice of bread and press it gently to hold everything together.

Notes

Look for authentic Montreal Style smoked meat, which is typically made from beef brisket that has been cured, seasoned, and smoked. You can find it at specialty delis or order it online. Opt for rye bread, which is traditional for this sandwich and complements the flavors of the smoked meat. However, you can use any bread of your choice if you prefer. Mustard is the classic condiment for this sandwich, but you can experiment with different types of mustard, such as yellow or Dijon, to suit your taste. The addition of Swiss cheese is optional but adds a creamy and nutty flavor. Feel free to skip it if you prefer a simpler sandwich. Serve your Montreal Style smoked meat sandwich with a side of pickles to balance the richness of the meat and add a tangy crunch. Enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.