VEGAN BROCCOLI SOUP WITH CASHEW CREAM

Vegan Broccoli Soup With Cashew Cream image

Provided by Sarah Copeland

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

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1 1/2 cups raw cashew pieces (or whole raw cashews)
Fine sea salt
1 cup boiling water
1 large head broccoli (about 1 1/2 pounds), florets chopped into bite-size pieces and stems peeled and roughly chopped
1 small fennel bulb, trimmed, quartered, cored and roughly chopped
2 large stalks celery, trimmed and roughly chopped, leaves reserved for garnish
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
Torn fresh dill or parsley leaves
Freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

Place the cashews in a blender along with a pinch sea salt. Pour the boiling water on top. Cover and let sit to allow the cashews to soften while you make the soup.
Combine the broccoli, fennel, celery, 2 tablespoons oil, 1 teaspoon sea salt and 3 cups water in a pot and cover loosely with a lid, leaving a small opening so steam can escape (this helps the soup keep its bright-green color). Bring to a boil over high, then steam vegetables over medium until they are tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat.
Purée the cashews and water until completely smooth and frothy (the cashew cream should be the consistency of very loose whipped cream). Add additional water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if desired to thin the mixture. Spoon the cashew cream into a bowl.
Working in batches if necessary, transfer the steamed vegetables and their cooking liquid to the blender and purée on high until completely smooth and frothy. Taste, and add more salt as needed. Divide the soup among bowls and top with cashew cream, celery leaves, dill, pepper and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve warm.