An Easy Soup Recipe

 I came up with this recipe for the Manischewitz contest but it got rejected.  I still like it. Make sure you use actual smoked paprika rather than sweet paprika.

Southwestern 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)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/3 cup orange juice, fresh squeezed or store bought
4 teaspoons honey
1 teaspoon smoked Paprika, Spanish style
2-3 tablespoons cilantro leaves
fresh pepper

In a large pot 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 and a twist of freshly ground pepper.

Makes 6 servings