1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a blender, combine the cashews, water, lemon juice, soy sauce or tamari, salt, garlic and nutritional yeast.
2. Process until smooth. While blending on high speed, slowly pour in the oil and continue to blend until thickened. In a saute pan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat and add the onions and red bell pepper, if using.
3. Saute until softened, about 5 minutes. Chop the artichokes, if desired. Add artichokes to pan, turn off the heat and add the green chiles and pimentos, if using.
4. Stir in the cashew sauce. Place the artichoke dip in an oven-proof dish and sprinkle the top with the paprika. Put in oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until top is browned.
Serve with toasted sliced baguette. Enjoy!
Source of recipe: I wrote the recipe and it is one of many great recipes in my first cookbook, The Maui Vegetarian Cooking with Aloha. It is vegan, easy to make, and delicious! Visit www.themauivegetarian.com [1] to see video demonstrations and to order the book.