Nebraska Runza

Steps

Step 1: Preparing the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- In a small saucepan, heat milk and butter until the butter melts. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture and stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Making the Filling
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add onions and cabbage to the skillet and cook until they become tender.
- Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and any additional desired spices or herbs.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let the filling cool.

Step 3: Assembling the Runzas
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal portions, depending on the desired size of the runzas.
- Roll out each portion of dough into a rectangle or oval shape, about ¼ inch thick.
- Spoon a generous amount of the cooled filling onto one half of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and pinch the edges to seal.
- Place the assembled runzas onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
- Optional: Brush the tops of the runzas with beaten egg for a shiny finish.

Step 4: Baking the Runzas
- Bake the runzas in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the runzas cool for a few minutes before serving.

Step 5: Serving
- Nebraska Runzas are traditionally enjoyed as a handheld meal, but you can also serve them with a side of ketchup, mustard, or other condiments of your choice.
- Serve the runzas warm and enjoy!

Note: The quantities of ingredients and cooking times may vary depending on the specific recipe you are following. It's always recommended to refer to a detailed recipe for precise measurements and instructions.

Substitutions

- Ground beef: Substitute with ground turkey, ground chicken, or vegetarian ground meat. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the original recipe.
- Onion: Substitute with shallots or leeks. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the original recipe.
- Cabbage: Substitute with Brussels sprouts or kale. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the original recipe.
- Salt and black pepper: Adjust the quantity according to taste preferences.
- Worcestershire sauce: Substitute with soy sauce or tamari. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the original recipe.
- Bread dough: If you don't have ready-made bread dough, you can make your own using flour, yeast, water, salt, and sugar. Adjust the preparation time to allow for dough rising.
- Milk: Substitute with any non-dairy milk like almond milk or soy milk. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the original recipe.
- Egg: Omit the egg or use a vegan egg substitute if desired.
- Butter: Substitute with margarine or a non-dairy butter alternative. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the original recipe.
- Garlic powder: Substitute with minced garlic cloves. Adjust the quantity according to taste preferences.

Note: Adjustments in cooking time and temperature may be necessary depending on the specific substitute ingredients used.

Pairings

- French fries
- Coleslaw
- Onion rings
- Pickles
- Mustard
- Ketchup
- Cheese sauce
- Root beer
- Milkshake
- Apple pie

Upgrades

1. Improve presentation:
- Garnish the Nebraska Runza with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color.
- Serve it on a bed of mixed greens or arugula for an elegant touch.
- Cut the Runza into smaller portions and arrange them on a platter for a stylish appetizer.

2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Toast the bread before assembling the Runza to add a crispy texture.
- Add a layer of caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms to enhance the savory flavor.
- Brush the top of the Runza with melted butter or egg wash for a golden, shiny finish.

3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Use high-quality ground beef or substitute it with tenderloin or wagyu beef for a more indulgent experience.
- Incorporate gourmet cheeses like Gruyère or truffle-infused cheese into the filling for a luxurious twist.
- Add a touch of decadence by including foie gras or black truffle slices as a filling ingredient.

Remember to adjust cooking times and temperatures accordingly when using premium ingredients. Enjoy your elevated Nebraska Runza dining experience!

Diet Restrictions

- Use whole wheat or gluten-free bread dough instead of white bread dough for the pastry.
- Replace ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken to reduce saturated fat content.
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the filling by adding diced onions, bell peppers, and spinach.
- Use low-fat cheese or a dairy-free alternative to reduce the overall fat content.
- Opt for a reduced-sodium or salt-free seasoning blend to lower sodium intake.
- For those with lactose intolerance, omit the milk in the dough recipe and use a lactose-free milk substitute.
- To accommodate vegetarians, replace the meat with a plant-based protein alternative like crumbled tofu or tempeh.
- For individuals with diabetes or those watching their carbohydrate intake, use a smaller portion of dough or opt for a low-carb bread alternative.
- Consider baking the runzas instead of deep frying them to reduce the amount of added fats.
- Lastly, for those who are watching their calorie intake, serve smaller portions or pair the runzas with a side salad or steamed vegetables instead of high-calorie sides.

Healthy Choices

- Use whole wheat or whole grain bread instead of white bread for the dough.
- Incorporate lean ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.
- Add a variety of vegetables such as onions, carrots, and spinach to increase the nutritional content.
- Reduce the amount of salt and opt for low-sodium ingredients.
- Use low-fat cheese or reduce the amount of cheese used.
- Bake the runzas instead of deep frying them to reduce the amount of oil.
- Serve with a side of mixed greens or a salad to add more fiber and vitamins to the meal.
- Consider using Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream as a healthier alternative to regular sour cream for dipping.

Shortcuts

1. Use pre-made dough: Instead of making the dough from scratch, use store-bought bread or pizza dough to save time and effort.

2. Opt for ground beef: Instead of using a combination of ground beef and ground pork, stick to ground beef to simplify the recipe and reduce cost.

3. Skip the cabbage: While cabbage is a traditional ingredient in Nebraska Runza, omitting it can save time on preparation and cooking. Replace it with extra onions or other vegetables if desired.

4. Use frozen onions: Instead of chopping fresh onions, use frozen diced onions to save time and avoid tears.

5. Pre-cook the filling: Prepare the filling in advance and refrigerate it, so the flavors meld together. This will save time when assembling the Runzas later.

6. Mini Runzas: Make smaller-sized Runzas instead of larger ones to reduce cooking time and portion sizes. This can also help stretch the ingredients further.

7. Bake instead of frying: Instead of frying the Runzas, bake them in the oven to save time and reduce the amount of oil used.

8. Use alternative seasonings: Replace expensive or hard-to-find spices with more readily available options that still add flavor. For example, substitute fresh herbs with dried herbs or herb blends.

9. Make a vegetarian version: Skip the meat altogether and create a vegetarian version of Nebraska Runza using ingredients like mushrooms, lentils, or textured vegetable protein (TVP) to save on costs.

10. Make a large batch and freeze: Prepare a larger quantity of Runzas and freeze them individually for later consumption. This way, you can save time by having ready-to-eat Runzas whenever you crave them.

Remember, these alterations aim to save time and money while preserving the essence of Nebraska Runza. Feel free to adapt them based on your personal preferences and dietary restrictions.