Pancetta and Arugula Pasta Sauce

It is now quite easy to find high-quality Gluten Free Pasta that have the taste and texture of the real thing. My current favorite is the Bonta D'Italia brand by Schar, which is a German and Italian company. Pasta is often just the quick meal that I want to make when I don't feel like fussing with anything that takes longer than 30 minutes. Last night I made a sauce that was a big hit with my younger son. He doesn't like sauces made with canned Tomatoes and this one was made with fresh Romas that were surprisingly ripe from the grocery store. I just cooked some Shallots in Olive Oil and added Pancetta and then chopped Tomatoes to make a light and fast Pasta Sauce. At the last minute, I tossed in handfuls of Arugula up ends up wilting into a very tasty cooked vegetable. I love Arugula in a salad but don't often think to use it in any other way and this way works. And I usually have Pancetta already chopped up in the freezer from Trader Joe's. My son was delighted with this Pasta dish. He sprinkled the whole thing with lots of Parmesan Cheese and wasn't even aware that the pasta was gluten free.  I'm posting this recipe for him and for any of you who want another easy Pasta Sauce that comes together even faster than it takes to boil the pasta!

Pancetta and Arugula Pasta Sauce

4 ounces of Pancetta, chopped into small pieces

1 large shallot, minced

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

8 Roma Tomatoes, chopped

1/4 teaspoon Salt

pinch of fresh ground Black Pepper

2 big handfuls washed Arugula (Rocket)

1/3 cup Pasta Water or 1/4 cup Water or Chicken Broth

Serve mixed with cooked Pasta and sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese if desired

Five Element Analysis

Pancetta is salted Pork so it belongs to the Water Element. The Shallot contributes the Metal Element and so does the Parmesan Cheese. The Tomatoes and Arugula add in the Fire Element. The Wood Element is brought in a little with the Olive Oil and Chicken Broth if you use it and it will be present if you use regular wheat pasta. The Gluten Free Pasta is a mixture of Corn and Tapioca flours for the Earth Element and Rice for more of the Metal Element.