Easy Southwestern Style Minestrone

I made up this recipe for a contest. It didn’t win, but we liked it!

Easy Southwestern Style Minestrone

5 cups water
1 package Manischewitz Minestrone mix
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 tablespoon chili powder (blended type, used for chili such as Gebhardt)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/3 cup orange juice, fresh squeezed or store bought
1 1/2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon smoked Paprika, Spanish style
2-3 tablespoons cilantro leaves (optional garnish)

In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add minestrone mix and reduce heat to a simmer. Stir in undrained tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, orange juice, honey and smoked paprika. Cover tightly and simmer for 45 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

To serve, spoon soup bowls. Sprinkle decoratively with cilantro.

Makes 6-8 servings.