1. First, boil a pot of water for pasta with a generous pinch of salt. Cook pasta according to package instructions.

2. To prepare the bolognese, first dice onions and slice mushrooms. Meanwhile, heat a large flat-bottomed pan with some olive oil on medium heat. Add onions (and carrots if desired) to hot pan and saute for 3-5 minutes, until onions are soft and slightly translucent.

3. Next add mushrooms and a pinch of salt. Stir gently every couple of minutes until mushrooms release liquid and shrink to half their original size. Most of the liquid from the mushrooms should have evaporated. If you're using soy sauce, add it. Then add minced garlic, thyme, and oregano. Stir and cook for a minute until you can small the garlic.

4. Now add red wine to the hot pan. It should sizzle a little. Cook for another 4-5 minutes so the alcohol can cook off. Then add tomatoes, tomato sauce, and lentils bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook for 10 minutes.

5. After 10 minutes, remove the lid and stir. If too liquidy, let cook with lid off for another 5 minutes. Add pasta to sauce, then place onto plate! Top with vegan parm (or regular parm if desired) and enjoy!