Eggplant & Italian Sausage Cacciatore

Cacciatore means "hunter" in Italian.  Cacciatore is a meal prepared "hunter-style" with onions, herbs, usually tomatoes, often bell peppers, and sometimes wine. I didn't add wine, but sounds like a good addition, maybe next time.

Eggplant & Italian Sausage Cacciatore

1 medium eggplant, cut into bite size pieces

1 can 28 ounce diced tomatoes

1 cup diced green peppers

1 cup diced onions

2 tablespoons minced garlic (from jar)

1-8 ounce package baby bella sliced mushrooms (optional)

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon italian season

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon oregano

1 pound ground italian sausage, browned

salt & pepper to taste

1 pound pasta, cooked to package directions, I used rotini today

Place browned Italian Sausage into slow cooker

Heat oil in pan, add eggplant, green peppers, onions, mushrooms

Saute` for a few minutes until tender, add to slow cooker

Add tomatoes and seasonings to slow cooker, cover, cook on high for about 3 hours

Serve over cooked pasta and top with shaved or grated cheese, parmesan, romano, asiago your choice!