Heat the oil: In a medium pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add vegetables: Sauté the diced shallots, carrots, and celery until tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
Add garlic and spices: Stir in the chopped garlic and ground turmeric, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Add lentils: Pour in the red lentils and coat them with the oil and vegetables, allowing them to toast slightly for a minute.
Pour in the stock: Add 5-6 cups of vegetable or chicken stock, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Simmer: Cook for 15-20 minutes or until the lentils are tender and the soup reaches a smooth consistency. If you prefer a smoother texture, this is the moment you can blend the soup with an immersion blender.
Add pumpkin: Stir in the pumpkin purée and chosen fresh herbs. Allow the mixture to heat through for another 5 minutes.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, finishing each serving with a drizzle of chili crisp and a side of crusty bread for dipping!