Navy-Style Pasta (Makaroni Po-Flotski)

A classic Russian comfort food that has been loved for generations. “Macaroni po-flotski” translates to “Navy-Style Pasta” and is a simple dish made with pasta and meat. Every family has its own version, but this recipe — the way my mom made it — is my favorite. The meat prepared this way is also perfect as a filling for crepes 

Ingredients

For the broth

• 500 g pork

• 1 onion

• 1 celery stalk

• 1 carrot

• bay leaf, salt, pepper

• 400 g pasta

• 2 large onions

• vegetable oil + butter for frying

• salt and pepper to taste

Steps

1. Prepare the meat broth (cover the meat with cold water, add the vegetables and spices, bring to a boil, and simmer over low heat until the meat is fully cooked)

2. While the broth is cooking, dice the onions and fry them in vegetable oil until translucent

3. Add a small piece of butter and continue cooking until the onions turn golden

4. Remove the meat from the broth and grind it using a meat grinder

5. Add the fried onions to the meat

6. Add 1/4–1/2 cup of broth so the meat mixture is not dry

7. Cook the pasta

8. Add the meat and onion mixture to the cooked pasta and mix well