Makes: 12

I’m a massive follower of US politics and so excited to see the Democrats become competitive – and truly joyous – for the 2024 Presidential Election.

I especially love Tim Walz, Kamala Harris’ running mate.

A completely down-to-earth guy (teacher, coach, veteran, Governor of Minnesota) originally from Nebraska.

In one of his social videos, he trolled JD Vance, Trump’s running mate about likely not even knowing what a Runza was.

And of course, there I was replying on Twitter: “[Me, not knowing what a Runza is] Haha, fuck yeah, get him.”

So what is a Runza?

It’s a bit like a pizza pocket, though filled with savoury mince, maybe cheese, mushrooms, chilli, you name it.

Very popular in the mid-west of the States and originally from Germany.

The key is the amazing dough however.

Friday night and Nat was up for the challenge (which wasn’t much of a challenge).

I totally get why so many people freeze these as a snack.

They’re great.

Mid-western fast-food, pizza-pocket great.

But again, it’s that dough. Just yum!

Go on. Live a little and master the Runza.

Ingredients

Dough

4 1/2 c plain flour
1/4 c sugar
7gm yeast (1 packet)
1 tsp salt
3/4 c milk
1/2 c water
1/2 c butter
2 eggs, beaten

Filling

1 tbsp olive oil
1kg ground beef mince
1 small onion, diced
4 c cabbage, chopped
2 tsp seasoned salt*
1 tsp pepper
12 slices cheddar cheese

* Seasoned Salt

1 tsp fine sea salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder

Method

1. To make the dough, place 1 1/2 c flour, sugar, yeast and salt in a KitchenAid mixing bowl.
2. Heat the milk, water and butter until warm and the butter melted. Pour the heated, wet ingredients into the flour mixture. Stir slightly before adding the beaten eggs.
3. Continue by adding the remaining flour, one cup at a time, until when kneaded the dough comes together and is smooth and elastic.
4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. For the filling, while the dough is rising, heat the oil in a frying pan over a medium heat and then cook the onions and mince until the liquid has evaporated and the meat is starting to brown. Stir in the cabbage, seasoned salt and pepper and cook until the cabbage has wilted. Set aside to cool ensuring no liquid is left.
6. Heat the oven to 180c. To assemble, punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal portions.
7. Working with 1 piece of dough, roll into a rectangle 15cm x 20cm in size.
8. Place a heaped 1/2 c of filling into each dough piece. Fold over the filling, seal and suck the edges.
9. Place onto a greased baking sheet and bake for 18 – 20 minutes until golden brown.