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The History Of The Jewish Deli: I’ll Have What She’s Having (12 Recipes, 1 Article)

Published On: 7/28/2022 Last Modified: 6/16/2025

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slicing pastrami on cutting board

There’s something truly special about traditional Jewish delis, whether you have experienced one in person or are simply aware due to their prevalence in television programs and movies. And now the history of these culinary institutions is on full display thanks to a new traveling exhibit, “‘I’ll Have What She’s Having’: The Jewish Deli,” that was recently highlighted in a New York Times article found here.

The exhibit is at the Skirball Cultural Center through September 18, 2022. It will then be at the New-York Historical Society from November 11, 2022 through April 2, 2023; the Holocaust Museum Houston from May 4, 2023 through Aug. 13, 2023; and the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center in Skokie, Ill., from Oct. 22, 2023 through April 14, 2024.

In the meantime, here are a few of our deli-inspired recipes to help get you in the mood for this tasty traveling show!

pastrami rub raw

A Pastrami Rub Recipe That Rivals New York's Famed Katz's Deli

By:

Meathead, AmazingRibs.com Founder And BBQ Hall of Famer

After much research and trial and error, here's my approximation of Katz's pastrami rub recipe for a New York pastrami sandwich at home.
Sliced homemade pastrami

A Smoked Pastrami Recipe That's Close To Katz's

By:

Meathead, AmazingRibs.com Founder And BBQ Hall of Famer

If you've ever wondered how to make pastrami then we've got you covered. Moist and tender, this is the ultimate homemade pastrami recipe.
Sliced sous vide and smoked pastrami

Pure Pastrami Perfection, The Sous-Vide-Que Method

By:

Clint Cantwell, AmazingRibs.com President And BBQ Personality

Pastrami is the ultimate expression of beef brisket, and it is at its best if you start with sous vide. Read on for our recipe.
corned beef and cabbage

Corned Beef And Cabbage Done Right (You’ve Been Doing It Wrong)

By:

Meathead, AmazingRibs.com Founder And BBQ Hall of Famer

This St. Patrick's Day, take your corned beef to a new level thanks to this fool proof recipe. Here are tips to elevate this dish.
Sliced corned beef

Our Homemade Corned Beef Recipe Outshines Store Bought

By:

Meathead, AmazingRibs.com Founder And BBQ Hall of Famer

Why spend the time making our homemade corned beef recipe? Because it is so much better than anything you could buy at the grocery store!
corned beef hash

The Corned Beef Hash Recipe All Others Aspire To Be

By:

Meathead, AmazingRibs.com Founder And BBQ Hall of Famer

This corned beef hash recipe is a perfect way to use leftover corned beef after St. Patrick's Day has come and gone.
Reuben burger plated

Reuben Reimagined: The Corned Beef St. Patrick’s Day Melt

By:

Clint Cantwell, AmazingRibs.com President And BBQ Personality

Corned beef is taken to new heights with this delicious recipe for a Reuben burger featuring sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing.
Reuben sandwich

Classic New York Style Rockin' Reuben Sandwich Recipe

By:

Meathead, AmazingRibs.com Founder And BBQ Hall of Famer

If you've never tried a Reuben you're missing out on the greatest flavor combination ever. Create the ultimate Reuben with this simple recipe.
A crispy potato latke lifted from the oil on a slotted spoon

Latkes aka Potato Pancakes aka Crispy Creamy Hash Browns Are The World’s Best Potatoes

By:

Meathead, AmazingRibs.com Founder And BBQ Hall of Famer

This simple, yet flavor packed recipe for hash browns, aka potato pancakes and latkes is the most perfect use of potatoes.
pickles

Quick and Easy Kosher Dill Pickles And Pickled Tomatoes

By:

Meathead, AmazingRibs.com Founder And BBQ Hall of Famer

If you're a fan of tangy deli pickles and pickled tomatoes then you'll be ready to dive in to this recipe for classic dill pickles.
Sabretts onion sauce

New York Hot Dog With Classic Onion Sauce, A Bite Of The Big Apple

By:

Meathead, AmazingRibs.com Founder And BBQ Hall of Famer

There are few things better than the combo of mustard, sauerkraut, and onion sauce. Here's the recipe you need to make your own onion sauce.
Horseradish cream sauce on toast with lox

Punch Up The Flavor With This Horseradish Cream Sauce Recipe

By:

Meathead, AmazingRibs.com Founder And BBQ Hall of Famer

This mild horseradish cream sauce is great on smoked salmon, baked potatoes, and roast beef sandwiches. We also love it as a dip.
charoses

Try This Charoses Recipe, A Delicious Jewish Applesauce!

By:

Meathead, AmazingRibs.com Founder And BBQ Hall of Famer

Here's a great recipe for Charoses (Jewish applesauce). This is one of the world's great applesauces and is a perfect accompaniment to BBQ.

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