Lentil and Root Vegetable Bolognese With Tagliatelle
A deeply savory, plant-based Italian classic packed with tender lentils and sweet root vegetables. Served over whole wheat tagliatelle for a comforting, high-fiber dinner.
Prep
15 min
Cook
35 min
Total
50 min
Makes
4 servings
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthEveryday strength
Support the basics consistently
A nourishing meal supports the protein, energy and overall nutrition that help you keep showing up for daily movement.
Notice: energy for movement
Comfortably satisfied
Fullness that has staying power
This meal is designed to feel substantial, so finishing it can feel like the meal is complete rather than the start of an evening of grazing.
Notice: fullness 2–3 hours later
Digestive comfort
A portion that works for you
Fiber and plants can support digestion, but more is not always better overnight. Start with a comfortable portion and build gradually.
Notice: comfort + portion
More staying power
Make the next few hours easier
This meal is built to be more sustaining than a snack-sized stopgap, with enough substance to carry you into the next part of the day.
Notice: energy + fullness later
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
15 min
Cook
35 min
Total
50 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Oven · Food processor · Large pot · Knife and cutting board
Time saver
Lentils absorb flavors beautifully as they sit. This sauce tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for batch-cooking lunches.
Do these three things first
- 1Prep cloves garlic (minced)
- 2Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 3Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
From Your Pantry
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 6 steps complete
Next: Finely dice the carrots
- 01
Finely dice the carrots
Finely dice the carrots, celery, and yellow onion. Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
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Add the diced vegetables to the pot
Add the diced vegetables to the pot. Sauté for 8-10 minutes until softened and naturally sweet. Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper, cooking for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Look for: softened and naturally sweet
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Rinse the dry brown lentils and add…
Rinse the dry brown lentils and add them to the pot along with the crushed tomatoes and water (or vegetable broth).
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Bring the mixture to a gentle boil
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover partially and let it simmer for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and the sauce has thickened. Taste and adjust salt and pepper to your liking.
Look for: the lentils are tender and the sauce has thickened
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During the last 15 minutes of the…
During the last 15 minutes of the sauce simmering, boil a separate pot of heavily salted water. Cook the whole wheat tagliatelle according to the package directions until al dente.
Look for: al dente
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Drain the pasta and portion it into…
Drain the pasta and portion it into bowls. Ladle the thick lentil bolognese over the top. If using, sprinkle the nutritional yeast on for a savory finish.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
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