Dice your celery or celeriac. Use a sharp knife to peel and cube the butternut squash. Remove stems from kale and roughly chop. Finely chop the sage.
Heat oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium. Once hot, add onions and celery. Cook 8 minutes, until soft.
Add garlic, chili flakes, squash and thyme and cook, stirring for 4-5 minutes until aromatic.
Add in the beans, kale, broth, water, paprika, salt and pepper. Increase heat to boil and then reduce to a simmer for 25 minutes - it may need longer if your squash cubes are large.
If desired, toast pumpkin seeds in a pan with butter, salt and a pinch of paprika.
Remove thyme and stir in the cashew cream and sage. Serve topped with garnish.