Foglie D'ulivo with Pancetta & Olives

1. Heat a pan over a moderate heat, and when hot throw in 1/4 cup water. Quickly follow with the spinach leaves and then pop on a lid. Let the spinach cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.Remove from the pan when still hot, puree in a food processor or with a stick blender until completely smooth. Set aside.
2. Tip the flour onto a clean surface and make a well in the centre. Add the spinach and some of the water to the well. Using a fork, whisk the spinach , gradually adding flour as you go, until too thick to whisk. Then, using your hands, begin bringing the pasta together. Add a little more water at a time until everything comes together.
3. Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth.Cover with a bowl or plastic and rest for 30 minutes.
4. When rested cut the dough into 4 pieces. Cover three and take off a slice of dough and roll into a long, thin sausage (about the width of a pencil. Cut the pasta sausage into 2 inch (5cm) pieces.
5. Using a knife, press the blade on a sideways angle and push down and away from yourself to flatten out the dough. As you do this, using your free hand, stop the dough from curling up on itself – press it gently to help form the leaf shape.
6. Repeat this process with all your dough. Arrange the leaves on a floured platter- keep them floured to avoid any sticking.
7. Bring a large pan of generously salted water to a rolling boil.

Making the sauce

1. Add the pancetta and oil to a large, cold frying pan. Turn on the heat and let the pancetta come to a fry over a moderate temperature. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes until most of the fat has rendered out. Be careful to not let it burn.
2. Pour in the wine and let it sizzle briefly then add the olives and about ½ cup water – reduce the heat until it’s barely simmering.
3. Pop your Foglie pasta into the water and cook for 1-2 minutes. Using a sieve, fish out the pasta and tip them into the pancetta. Quickly add the cheese and then about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water. Stir well to incorporate everything and serve immediately.
4. Sprinkle with more cheese and season with a bit of freshly ground black pepper.