Cossack Mustaches (recipe from Ukraine)

To prepare this delicious dish with spaghetti and meat, we start by boiling the spaghetti, preferably the thickest and highest quality ones, in boiling salted water. It is essential to let them boil for only about half the time indicated on the package, so they remain al dente. After draining, we immediately transfer them to a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process and maintain their texture.

Meanwhile, we take care of the meat we will use. It is recommended to choose a strip of meat that is not too large or thick, with dimensions of no more than 8 cm in length and 3 mm in thickness. This will help ensure even and quick cooking of the rolls, making sure the spaghetti does not spoil or become mushy in the process. Once we have cut the meat, we sprinkle a teaspoon of grated Parmesan or cheese on top, then add 10-12 spaghetti strands so that they stick out from each side of the slice of meat. We carefully roll it up, making sure it does not break, and secure the roll with a toothpick.

After preparing all the rolls, we place them in a heated pan with 2 tablespoons of oil and brown them for one minute on each side until they achieve a delicious golden color. We remove them from the pan and set them aside, allowing them to rest for a bit.

In the same pan, we add a tablespoon of oil and finely chopped onion, which we sauté over medium heat. The goal is to develop the flavor of the onion without overcooking it. Once the onion becomes translucent, we add tomato sauce, ketchup, a little mayonnaise, and if desired, a cup of broth. We let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure all the flavors blend together.

Once the sauce is ready, we add the meat rolls to the pan, making sure they are well covered with sauce. If necessary, we can add a bit more broth to achieve an optimal consistency. We let everything simmer over medium heat, adding salt to taste. If the rolls have been cut according to the appropriate dimensions, they will be fully cooked and flavored in no more than 15 minutes, ready to be served. This dish can be accompanied by a fresh salad or crispy bread to enjoy all the delicious flavors.