ZESTY MEXICAN SOUP

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

Heat 1 tbsp broth in a medium soup pot. Healthy Sauté onion, garlic, and green peppers in broth over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring often.

Add red chili powder, mix in well and add broth, zucchini, collard greens and tomatoes. Cook for another 5 minutes and add beans, corn, green chili, oregano, and cumin.

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.

Servings: 6