Using the Saute function, saute the onions in a splash of water until they are softened and slightly translucent.
1 cup diced onion
Add the garlic, carrots, and celery and a few more splashes of water, as necessary, if the pot is dry. Saute for a few minutes until the vegetables are softened. Hit the cancel button.
2 cloves garlic, 1 cup diced carrots, 1 cup diced celery
Add the chickpeas, wild rice, bay leaf, thyme, vegetable broth, and 1 cup water and stir to combine.
1 cup dried chickpeas, 1 cup wild rice, 1 bay leaf, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 cup water
Close the lid and set the timer for 25 minutes high pressure on the Pressure Cook/Manual function. Allow the pressure to release naturally.
Meanwhile, in a high-speed blender, prepare the cashew cream by blending the cashews and ½ cup water until very smooth.
½ cup raw cashews, ½ cup water
Remove the lid once the pressure has released. Discard the bay leaf. Pour in the cashew cream and stir well. Add salt and pepper, to taste, and enjoy!
salt and pepper
Notes
Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The soup will thicken, so you may want to add a little water when reheating it on the stove or in the microwave.Amy's tips: Even though the soup takes only 25 minutes to cook at high pressure, keep in mind that it takes additional time for the Instant Pot to come up to pressure and to release the pressure naturally. Allow approximately 90 minutes from starting to when it's ready to eat. Use the Keep Warm function in case you want a second helping.Stovetop instructions:Use cooked chickpeas or canned. You will need 3 cups cooked (from 1 cup dried) or 2-15 ounce cans.
Start by cooking the wild rice. Add the rice and 4 cups water to a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes. Check the rice. It should be chewy, and some of the grains will have burst open. Continue cooking 10 to 15 more minutes, as needed. When done, drain off the excess water using a fine mesh strainer.
Saute the onions in a little water in a large pot over medium heat until soft and slightly translucent.
Add the garlic, carrots, and celery and saute for a few minutes until soft.
Add the cooked chickpeas, cooked wild rice, bay leaf, thyme, and vegetable broth. (You won't need the extra cup of water.)
Simmer until heated through.
Meanwhile, in a high-speed blender, prepare the cashew cream by blending the cashews and ½ cup water until very smooth.
Discard the bay leaf. Pour in the cashew mixture and stir well. Add salt and pepper, to taste.