Cashew cream replaces dairy in this velvety vegan soup. Simmering cashews in a small bit of water plumps and softens them in a fraction of the time, so you can prepare this soup without planning too far ahead.
Bring the cashews, 1 cup water and a pinch each of salt and pepper to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Simmer until softened and about 1/4 to 1/3 cup water remains, 15 to 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until softened, 4 to 5 minutes. Add 3 cloves garlic, the thyme sprigs and a pinch each of salt and pepper; cook 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes, roasted peppers, 3 1/2 cups water, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a rapid simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and the tomatoes are soft, 15 to 20 minutes.
Transfer the cashews, cooking liquid and remaining 1 clove garlic to a blender (preferably high-speed) and puree until smooth, fluffy and light in color, scraping down the sides and adding water 1 tablespoon at a time as needed to blend. Transfer to a small bowl (do not rinse out the blender). Discard the thyme sprigs from the soup, then carefully blend the soup in batches until smooth. Return the soup to the pot. Whisk in about three-quarters of the cashew cream, then return the soup to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Divide the soup among bowls, drizzle with the remaining cashew cream (thin with a splash of water if necessary) and sprinkle with thyme leaves.
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Photograph by David Malosh
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