Nebraskan Runza

[KianGaf]

I've never tried one of these but maybe a native Nebraskan can give more information. The sites I've viewed described it as a soft filled bread roll & the filling is often beef & cabbage. They seem to be huge in that part of the world, the origin appears to be German Americans. There is what appears to be a very similar Kansas treat called a Bierock.

https://www.karenskitchenstories.com/2020/10/nebraskan-runzas.html?m=1

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Runza

https://myfarmhousetable.com/nebraskas-homemade-runza/

 

[huskerblitz]

They are really good. You can choose to put Brown gravy over them or some use ketchup.

Runza restaurants uses some other ingredients. Adding cheese, swiss mushroom, or even BBQ pork to make different runzas. Runza is also the official sandwich of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

 

[KianGaf]

Would it be like a soft filled subway sandwich or have a crust like a Stromboli/Calzone.

 

[huskerblitz]

Would it be like a soft filled subway sandwich or have a crust like a Stromboli/Calzone.

No, they are actually fully encased in bread. You make the dough out, fill in your beef-cabbage mixture then wrap the top over.

 

[KianGaf]

They really look good. Ill definitely try one when I see them. I've never seen anything similar in my travels in Germany or Austria, it must be an uniquely American creation.

 

[huskerblitz]

They really look good. Ill definitely try one when I see them. I've never seen anything similar in my travels in Germany or Austria, it must be an uniquely American creation.

Actually, they are not American. They came to Nebraska with the Germans from Russia immigrants. Lincoln actually has a Germans from Russia museum that I haven't been to, but driven past a few times.

I would invite you to try to make some. Honestly, not that hard to make. It's funny, growing up I only ever used ketchup with them (still good) but it wasn't until I moved towards eastern Nebraska I heard of using brown gravy over them. I was missing out...so try them both ways. Or if you wanted, you might even be able to order some from the Runza Restaurant. I actually buy frozen runzas from the restaurant for my mom where she just has to heat them up.

 

[lupaglupa]

My mother often mentioned a quote she saw where a food writer said that every culture has a version of filling in pastry. This is a new one to me. It looks good!

 

[KianGaf]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volga_Germans

It must originate with this group of people.

 

[KianGaf]

A short well made video that explains this regional favourite.

 

[donna]

They look good. Thanks so much for adding.

I am getting better.

 

[Lusty Murfax]

First heard of the runza on my first trip up to Lincoln to watch the Tigers play the Fuskers. Vendors were selling them from boxes on the ground up under the stadium. Surprisingly, the venue held no conventional concession stands as near as I could tell. If they were there, I didn't find them. The stadium looks fantastic on TV, but appeared dilapidated on close inspection. The fans were very nice and offered us food and drink as we walked up. The overall experience was good, except the final score.