The runza bun is a type of bierock pastry filled with meat and sauerkraut. It originated in Eastern Europe and was brought to the US by Volga Germans. The shape and filling can vary, and it can be made with pre-made or yeast dough. The first Runza sandwich shop opened in Nebraska after World War II and has since gained popularity in the US.
The runza bun is a type of bierock pastry that is often filled with meat and sauerkraut. Bierock pastries originated in Eastern Europe and are thought to have been created in Russia in the early 1900s. They were then quickly adopted by people in Germany. The word “bierock” comes from the Russian word pirozki, which is used for any bread or flatbread filled with a savory filling. German bierock was brought to the United States and Canada in the late 19th century by Volga Germans, an ethnic group who lived along the Volga River. The runza sandwich can also be considered a forerunner of other popular pocket sandwiches.
The shape of a runza sandwich depends on where it is made and can take many different forms. For example, in Kansas it may look like a sandwich, but in Nebraska the preferred shape may be rectangular. The malleable dough used to make the pocket sandwich can be any pre-made or yeast dough recipe that can be purchased at the local grocery store.
To make the stuffing, a cook needs only meat, onion, sauerkraut and spices. Typically, an onion is chopped and sauteed until translucent. When the onion is ready, the sauerkraut is added to the pan and cooked until tender. The ground beef is usually browned in a different pan, then added to the onion mixture along with whatever spices are being used. The dough is rolled out into foil, cut into the desired shape and wrapped in part of the filling. The runza bun is then baked in the oven until golden brown.
There are many variations of recipes for stuffing runza sandwiches. Some cooks use pork instead of beef, while others may use a blend of the two. Cabbage, or even coleslaw, is sometimes used in place of sauerkraut.
Recipes may also use eggs to bind the filling, because one that doesn’t use egg will generally have a softer texture. Adding an egg or two can help round out the filling when eaten. Cheese is also sometimes used to add more flavor, as well as help bind the filling together and make it easier to eat on the go.
In the United States, the first Runza sandwich shop opened in Nebraska after World War II. The sandwich was a useful food to serve to workers for lunch because it is quick and convenient. The store was so successful that it began franchised restaurants in the 1970s. Since then the dish has slowly spread and is gaining popularity in the United States.
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