Rinse the lentils

• Rinse the lentils under cold water and drain them well.

Combine everything in the pot

• Put the drained lentils in a saucepan.
• Add the water, au jus mix, ranch seasoning, beef base, tomato paste, chopped pepperoncini and the pepperoncini brine.
• Stir to dissolve the seasonings.

Simmer the lentils

• Bring the pot up to a simmer.
• Cook uncovered on a low simmer, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water if it evaporates too quickly.

Rest before serving

• Turn off the heat and let the lentils sit so the remaining liquid absorbs.

Serve

• Serve as is with canned carrots and green beans, or spoon into tortillas with shredded cheese to make burritos.