Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the chopped carrots to the pot, along with the vegetable or chicken broth and ground cumin. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until the carrots are tender.
Remove the pot from heat and let it cool slightly. If using a blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches and blend until smooth. If using an immersion blender, blend directly in the pot until smooth.
Stir in the lemon juice, and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired.
For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of coconut milk or cream before serving.
This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Feel free to adjust the amount of ginger based on your preference for spiciness!