Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil or vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 to 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1-inch ginger root, grated or finely chopped
• 1 chile pepper, seeded and chopped
• 2 pounds carrots, peeled and sliced or chopped
• 1/4 cup tamari sauce
• 1 quart chicken stock-in-a-box
• 1 cup water
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Toasted sesame oil, for garnish
• 4 large eggs, fried, optional
• Finely chopped chives or scallions, for garnish
• Toasted sesame rolls, for dunking

Instructions

1. Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onions, garlic, ginger and chile pepper and sweat them out a few minutes. Stir in the carrots and tamari sauce, then cover the pot and cook for 7 to 8 minutes. Add the stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer the soup until the carrots are tender. Puree as smooth or chunky as you like with hand blender or in a processor, in batches. Season the soup with salt and pepper, to taste. Cool completely and store in the refrigerator for a make-ahead meal.
2. Reheat, in a covered pot, over medium heat and serve in shallow bowls with a fried egg on top, cooked to your liking. Garnish each serving with chives or scallions and a drizzle of toasted sesame oil on top. Pass the toasted sesame rolls at the table, for dunking.