Vegan New England Clam Chowder

Name: Vegan New England Clam Chowder
Ingredients: 1/2 cup raw, unsalted cashews; 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons olive oil, divided; 2 tbsp vegan butter; 1 cup 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 1 cup 4 celery stalks, chopped; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 4 cup water; 2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper, plus more to taste; 2 bay leaves; 2 sprigs fresh thyme; 1 1/2 pounds gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes; 12 oz shiitake and/or oyster mushrooms, stems discarded, coarsely chopped; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice; Oyster crackers, for serving