Greg asked for a RUNZA recipe over in the MAID-RITE sandwich thread.....so, rather than putting this recipe under that thread, I decided to keep them separate to avoid confusion and to make it easier to search for each recipe.
Like the Iowegian's MAID-RITE recipe, Nebraska's RUNZA recipe is very simple and best if left that way. Adding ingredients that are not true to the original recipe is sacrilege to most of we Nebraskans, but there ain't no law agin' it, as far as I know.
NEBRASKA'S RUNZA SANDWICH
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rise TIme 1 hour
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 12
Author My Farmhouse Table
Ingredients:
Dough
4 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
1/4 cup Sugar
2 pkgs (1/4 oz) Yeast
1 tsp Salt
3/4 cup Milk
1/2 cup Water
1/2 cup Butter
2 Eggs
Filling
2 lbs Ground Beef
1 Small Onion, diced
4 cups Cabbage, chopped
2 tsp Seasoned Salt
1 tsp Pepper
Instructions:
Dough
Start by placing 1 1/2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, and salt into a large mixing bowl.
Either in a small saucepan over medium heat or a microwave safe bowl, heat the milk, water, and butter to 120-130 degrees F.
Pour heated wet ingredients into flour mixture. Stir slightly before adding beaten eggs.
Continue by adding the remaining flour, one cup at a time, until when kneaded the dough comes together and is smooth and elastic.
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
Filling
While dough is rising, cook beef and onion over medium-high heat until meat is no longer pink. Drain.
Stir in the chopped cabbage, seasoned salt, and pepper. Stir gently until cabbage is cooked and filling combined.
Assembly
Punch dough down, and divide into 12 equal portions.
Working with one piece of dough, roll into a rectangle (approx 6 inches x 8 inches in size).
Place a heaping 1/2 cup of filling into the center of each dough piece.
Fold dough over filling. Seal and tuck edges.
Place onto a greased baking sheet (edges can touch).
Bake at 350 degrees F for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Recipe Notes:
These freeze well. Make multiple batches (through the baking process) and freeze any cooked extras. When ready to use, thaw and either bake or microwave until heated.
Can use 2 (8oz) cans of sauerkraut in place of cabbage.
Add a half slice of cheddar cheese to each Runza before sealing pouch for a Cheese Runza version.
For a shortcut, use thawed frozen bread dough in place of making the dough from scratch.
