Creamy Vegan Cauliflower Corn Chowder

Name: Creamy Vegan Cauliflower Corn Chowder
Ingredients: 1/2 cup about 2 ounces raw cashews, soaked for at least 2 hours and drained*; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 large white or yellow onion (chopped); 1 large or 2 medium carrots (chopped); 2 stalks celery (chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 medium or large head cauliflower (about 1 1/2 lbs, trimmed and cut into florets); 2 large or 3 medium sized russet or yukon gold potatoes (about 1 1/2 - 1 1/4 lbs, peeled and diced); 3 ears corn or 2 cups frozen and thawed corn kernels; 6 cups vegetable broth or 6 cups water + 1 vegan bouillon cube; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus extra to taste); 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (plus extra to taste); 2 bay leaves; Optional accompaniments: vegan cornbread