Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Then, add the minced garlic, diced carrot, and celery. Cook for another 3-5 minutes until softened.
Spice it Up: Stir in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, and ground turmeric. Sauté the spices with the vegetables for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the Lentils and Pumpkin: Pour in the rinsed red lentils and pumpkin puree. Stir until everything is well combined.
Pour the Broth: Add the vegetable broth, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
Creaminess Factor: After the lentils are cooked, stir in the coconut milk. Allow the stew to heat through for an additional 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve and Garnish: Ladle the cozy stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy it with crusty bread or over steaming rice for an extra comforting meal.