Sauté aromatics: Warm the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion with a pinch of salt and cook 4–5 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic, ginger, and turmeric; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
Add carrots and broth: Add the sliced carrots and pour in the broth.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 20–25 minutes, until carrots are very tender.
Blend until smooth: Turn off the heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until silky. Or carefully blend in batches in a countertop blender, then return to the pot.
Add creaminess: Stir in coconut milk (or whisk in yogurt off the heat to prevent curdling).
Adjust thickness with a splash of broth or water if needed.
Season and brighten: Add lemon juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Taste and adjust seasoning—more ginger for zing, more salt for depth, more lemon for brightness.
Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with herbs, pepitas, or a swirl of coconut milk or olive oil.