Pasta with Meat Patties and Onion Gravy

In a large pot, bring 2000 ml of water to a boil, season with salt to taste, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain in a colander, reserving 100 ml of the pasta cooking water.

Finely chop one onion. Combine the ground meat, egg, half of the chopped onion, breadcrumbs, salt and black pepper; mix for 2–3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and even.

Wet your hands with water and shape the mixture into 8 patties. Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a large skillet and fry the patties over medium heat for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer them to a plate.

Slice the second onion into thin half-rings. Add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil to the same skillet, sauté the onion for 5–7 minutes until soft, then stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Gradually pour in the broth, whisking to prevent lumps from forming. Add the 100 ml of reserved pasta water, season with salt and pepper to taste, and bring the gravy to a boil.

Return the patties to the skillet, cover with a lid and simmer in the onion gravy for 8–10 minutes over low heat, until they are heated through and the sauce has thickened.

Divide the pasta among plates, top with the patties and spoon over the onion gravy.