Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup minced shallot
  • 1/4 cup minced fresh ginger
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons Madras curry powder
  • 1 tablespoon sambal oelek or other Asian chile sauce
  • 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon shrimp or anchovy paste
  • 2 kaffir lime leaves or 1 teaspoon finely grated lime zest
  • Kosher salt
  • 3 pounds carrots, peeled and chopped (about 5 large carrots)
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 3/4 cup fresh carrot juice
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • One 14-ounce can coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • Freshly ground white pepper
  • Chopped cilantro and lime wedges, for serving

Method

  • In a small skillet, toast the coriander seeds over moderate heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
  • In a large saucepan, heat the oil until shimmering.
  • Add the toasted coriander seeds, shallot, ginger, curry powder, sambal oelek, garlic, shrimp paste and kaffir lime leaves and season with salt.
  • Cook over moderately high heat, stirring until fragrant and the vegetables are softened, about 2 minutes.
  • Add the carrots, broth, juice and sugar and bring to a boil.
  • Simmer over moderately low heat until the carrots are very tender, about 30 minutes.
  • Working in batches, carefully puree the hot soup in a blender or food processor until smooth.
  • Strain the soup through a medium sieve and return it to the saucepan.
  • Stir in the coconut milk and lime juice and bring to a simmer.
  • Season the soup with salt and white pepper.
  • Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with cilantro leaves and serve with lime wedges.