Mediterranean Eggplant and Squash Crock Pot Stew

5-10m
Prep Time

4-5h
Cook Time

4h 5m
Ready In

"This is a really nice 'vegetarian - meat free' dish. Even though there is no meat in this, it is a very hearty dish. I like to serve this over couscous and garnish with Feta cheese and fresh mint. Spinach, is optional to add; but, I love to add it. Serve over couscous for a great meal."

Original is 7 servings

Metric US

I've Tried It

Nutritional

Serving Size: 1 (300.8 g)
Calories 116
Total Fat - 4.8 g
Saturated Fat - 2.3 g
Cholesterol - 11.7 mg
Sodium - 469.3 mg
Total Carbohydrate - 14.9 g
Dietary Fiber - 4.1 g
Sugars - 9 g
Protein - 5.8 g
Calcium - 130.9 mg
Iron - 1.8 mg
Vitamin C - 27.4 mg
Thiamin - 0.1 mg

Step 1

Coriander Seeds ... Toast them in a dry saute pan on medium heat for 2-3 minutes, until you begin to smell them. Keep an eye on them, they go quickly. Then, add them to a small ziploc bag and crush using a mallet or rolling pin. You can also do this in a coffee grinder.

Step 2

Crock Pot ... Add the eggplant, celery, onion, tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, coriander seeds, oregano, pinch of salt and pepper, and olive oil. Mix to combine all the ingredients. Top with the yellow squash, zucchini, mushrooms, and olives, but, DO NOT mix in. Cover and cook 3 hours on low heat.

Step 3

Season once again with a pinch of both salt and pepper, and add the capers. Go easy with the salt, capers are salty. Then, mix to combine all the ingredients. Up the heat to medium; and cook another 1 1/2-2 hours until all the vegetables are tender.

Step 4

Finish ... Add the balsamic vinegar, sugar, fresh basil, and check once again for seasoning. You can add a bit more salt and pepper if necessary; but, I don't find it is necessary - it is really a personal preference. Also, at this point, if you want to add the spinach you can - this is optional. I have made it both ways; and, both are delicious. The heat from the stew will cook the spinach without keeping the heat on. Just mix to combine the spinach; turn off the heat, and keep covered for 10-15 minutes, while you finish the rest of the meal.

Step 5

Serve and ENJOY! ... I love to serve this over couscous, which takes just minutes to make. It is a rich hearty stew, and very healthy. Serve in individual bowls family style so everyone can just serve themselves. Add a bowl of feta, lemon wedges, and fresh mint as a garnish to the table.

Step 6

Note: Just remember ... all crock pots cook differently. This is based on my older oval crock pot which does cook a bit "lower" than the newer models. So the best way is just to check. I have 3 crock pots; and, all cook differently. The same meal could easily be 2 hours apart on the cooking times for a recipe. So, it is really best to know your crock pot first, before trying a new recipe.