Spiced Carrot Soup

Name: Spiced Carrot Soup
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon oil; 1 onion, peeled and diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1 teaspoon brown sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin; 3/4 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 pound medium carrots, peeled and sliced 1/2-inch thick; 1/2 cup raw white rice; 1 bay leaf; 1 quart chicken stock, vegetable stock, or water; Crispy fried shallots, recipe follows; 10 to 15 shallots, peeled and sliced very thinly crosswise with a mandoline or knife; 4 teaspoons flour; Oil for deep frying: 3 inches neutral vegetable oil in heavy pot