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.
The perimenopause lens
A cautious perimenopause lens
These tags explain why the recipe may appear in Lila. They are prompts for noticing your own patterns—not evidence that this meal treats a symptom.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthJoint discomfort
Bring patterns, not guesses
Record timing, severity and movement alongside meals or supplements. New, persistent or worsening pain needs clinical attention.
Track: stiffness + movement
Appetite changes
Notice patterns without judgment
One meal does not determine body weight. Look at fullness, energy and repeatable eating patterns over time instead.
Track: fullness + meal rhythm
Digestive comfort
Let tolerance guide the portion
Fiber, portion size and ingredients land differently for everyone. Increase unfamiliar foods gradually and notice comfort.
Track: comfort + portion
Fatigue
Separate a pattern from one day
Notice energy alongside sleep, meals and symptoms across several days. Ongoing fatigue deserves a clinical conversation.
Track: energy + previous night
Before you start
Your 50-minute game plan
Gather everything first, then tap ingredients and steps as you go.
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
One clear step at a time
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.
Tap card to mark done - 02
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.
Tap card to mark done - 03
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).
Tap card to mark done - 04
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.
Tap card to mark done - 05
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.
Tap card to mark done - 06
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.
Tap card to mark done
The nutrition underneath
Why this bowl holds together
The food processor is your best…
The food processor is your best friend here. Pulse the carrots, celery, and onion together for a few seconds to create a fast, finely minced base (mirepoix) without the knife work.
Lentils absorb flavors beautifully as they…
Lentils absorb flavors beautifully as they sit. This sauce tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for batch-cooking lunches.
If you find the tomatoes a…
If you find the tomatoes a bit too acidic, stir in the baking soda at the very end of cooking to naturally neutralize the bite without adding sugar.
Your symptoms change. Your plan should too.
One good meal is a start. Your whole week is better.
Tell Lila what you like, what you avoid and which symptoms are loud today. She’ll turn that context into meals, targets and small adjustments that fit real life.