1 1/2 cups dried brown lentils
3-4 veggie bullion cubes (or to taste)
1/2 packet French onion soup mix (Lipton is vegan, I believe)
approximately 5-7 cups of water (depends on desired consistency)
1 tablespoon turmeric
1 teaspoon paprika
various herbs of choice (I like dried crushed rosemary and basil)
salt to taste
garlic powder to taste
Wash lentils. Place 5 cups water, veggie bullion and lentils in medium-sized saucepan. Bring to boil, then cover, lower heat, and simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking (you could also add a small splash of olive oil to prevent it if you wish).
When lentils are mushy (about 45 minutes to one hour), remove from heat, and thoroughly blend, using food processor or hand mixer. The important thing is that the mixture becomes totally smooth with no lumps whatsoever. More liquid can be added if consistency is too thick.
Place lentil mixture back in saucepan, over medium-low heat. Add soup mix, turmeric, paprika, herbs, garlic powder and salt. Use a small whisk to mix everything together, and continue cooking and stirring for another ten minutes or so.
This is so nutritious and really tastes great in any recipe where gravy is called for. Enjoy. :-)