Fresh turmeric has a livelier flavour than the ground spice and its nutrients are more easily absorbed by the body, so look out for it in big supermarkets and specialty food shops.
2 tbsp vegetable or groundnut oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 lemongrass stalk, bashed with the back of a knife
3cm (11⁄4in) piece of ginger, peeled and grated
small finger of fresh turmeric, peeled and grated (or use 1 tsp ground turmeric)
1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
700g (11⁄2lb) carrots, peeled and chopped
1 x 400ml (14fl oz) tin reduced fat coconut milk
1 tbsp fish sauce
juice of 1 lime, plus wedges to serve
handful of coriander, chopped, plus a few leaves to garnish
Saucepan
Hand-held stick blender or food processor