Cashew soup is a creamy, rich, and comforting dish that perfectly suits a vegan lifestyle without compromising on flavor or texture. Made primarily from cashews, this soup offers a velvety base packed with plant-based protein and healthy fats, making it both nourishing and satisfying.
Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal on a chilly evening or a luxurious starter for a dinner party, this cashew soup recipe is easy to prepare and wonderfully versatile. With simple, wholesome ingredients and a few pantry staples, you can whip up a bowl of this luscious vegan soup in under an hour.
Plus, it’s allergen-friendly, gluten-free, and utterly delicious—perfect for anyone seeking a wholesome yet indulgent meal.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the reasons why this recipe stands out, the ingredients and equipment you’ll need, step-by-step instructions, and tips to customize it to your taste. Let’s dive into the world of creamy vegan comfort with this irresistible cashew soup recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cashew soup recipe is a game-changer in vegan cooking for several reasons:
- Rich and Creamy Texture: The soaked cashews blend into a smooth, creamy base without the need for dairy or heavy cream.
- Nutritious and Filling: Cashews provide healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals, making this soup satisfying and nourishing.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and fresh vegetables, it’s easy to find everything you need.
- Customizable Flavor: Easily adapt the soup with your favorite herbs, spices, or seasonal veggies.
- Vegan and Allergy-Friendly: Completely plant-based and free from gluten, soy, and refined sugars.
Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep or leftovers. If you love creamy soups but want to avoid dairy, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your repertoire!
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked for at least 4 hours or overnight)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional, for a cheesy flavor)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Juice of half a lemon (optional, to brighten flavors)
Equipment
- High-speed blender or food processor
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Strainer (for soaking cashews)
Instructions
- Soak the cashews: Place raw cashews in a bowl and cover with water. Soak for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse before using.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently.
- Add vegetables: Stir in chopped carrot, celery, and potato. Cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.
- Add broth and seasonings: Pour in the vegetable broth, then add dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
- Blend the soup: Carefully transfer the soup to a high-speed blender in batches. Add the soaked cashews and nutritional yeast (if using). Blend until the soup is perfectly smooth and creamy. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot.
- Adjust flavors: Return the blended soup to the pot and warm over low heat. Stir in lemon juice for brightness and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy immediately.
Tips & Variations
“Soaking cashews properly is key to achieving that silky smooth texture. If short on time, soak them in hot water for 1 hour instead of overnight.”
- Make it gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your broth ingredients to be sure.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to toss in mushrooms, leeks, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or curry powder for a warming kick.
- Serve chilled: This soup also tastes delicious served cold as a refreshing summer meal.
- Use homemade broth: For an even richer taste, use your own vegetable broth if you have it on hand.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 280 |
Protein | 8g |
Fat | 18g |
Carbohydrates | 20g |
Fiber | 3g |
Sugar | 4g |
Calcium | 40mg |
Iron | 2mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan cashew soup pairs beautifully with fresh crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping. Add a crisp side salad with lemon vinaigrette for a light, well-rounded meal.
For a heartier option, serve with roasted vegetables or grain bowls featuring quinoa or brown rice.
Try topping your soup with toasted pumpkin seeds, a drizzle of truffle oil, or fresh microgreens to add texture and visual appeal. This soup also makes an excellent starter for a multi-course vegan dinner party.
Conclusion
This vegan cashew soup is a delicious and nourishing addition to any meal plan. Its creamy texture, balanced flavors, and wholesome ingredients make it a perfect choice for cozy nights or entertaining guests.
The recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to experiment with different vegetables, herbs, and spices to suit your taste preferences.
Not only is it easy to make, but it also stores well, so you can enjoy leftovers or prepare it ahead of time for busy days. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to explore other comforting dishes like our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe or check out some creative vegan appetizers in our Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes.
For something sweet afterward, you might love the tangy crunch of Maple Bourbon Pickles Recipe.
Enjoy making and savoring this luscious cashew soup, and happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Cashew Soup Vegan Recipe
Description: A creamy and comforting vegan cashew soup that's rich in flavor and easy to make. Perfect as a starter or light meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked for 2 hours
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 large carrot, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Drain and rinse soaked cashews.
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add carrot, celery, and potato; cook for 5 minutes.
- Pour in vegetable broth and add thyme.
- Simmer until vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.
- Blend soup with cashews until smooth.
- Return soup to pot, season with salt, pepper, and nutritional yeast.
- Heat through and garnish with parsley before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 8 g | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 22 g
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