Zesty Mexican Soup

This spicy vegetable soup is full of flavor and easy to prepare. Our Healthy Sauté method of cooking makes this recipe healthier since you don't have to use heated oils. This soup is a great way to get many vegetables into one meal. It actually gets better with time, so feel free to make a big batch to have around. It is a perfect quick meal on a cold day.

Prep and Cook Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 medium onion, minced
• 4 medium cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 TBS red chili powder
• 3 cups + 1 TBS chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 small to medium green bell pepper, diced into 1/4-inch pieces
• 1 small zucchini, diced into 1/4-inch pieces
• 1 cup finely chopped collard greens
• 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes
• 1 15 oz can black beans, rinsed
• 1 cup frozen yellow corn
• 1 4 oz can diced green chili
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 cup chopped pumpkin seeds
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Heat 1 TBS broth in a medium soup pot. Healthy Sauté onion, garlic, and green peppers in broth over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring often.
2. Add red chili powder and mix in well. Add broth, zucchini, collard greens, and tomatoes. Cook for another 5 minutes and add beans, corn, green chili, oregano, and cumin.
3. Bring to a boil on high heat. Once it begins to boil, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes longer. (Simmering uncovered enhances the flavor.) Add chopped cilantro, pumpkin seeds, salt, and pepper. Serves 6