Savory Slow Cooker Sausage, Eggplant & Tomato Medley
Savor the vibrant flavors of Italy with this delectable Savory Slow Cooker Sausage, Eggplant & Tomato Medley. Packed with juicy lean beef sausages, tender eggplant, and a rich tomato sauce, this casserole is the perfect comforting dish for any occasion. The gentle infusion of spices and herbs meld together over hours of slow cooking, resulting in a heartwarming stew that can be served with crusty bread or alongside fresh steamed vegetables. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, simply set it and forget it for an easy, wholesome meal!
4
Servings
180
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 (tablespoon)
lean beef sausages
8 (cooked until browned)
brown onion
1 large (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (crushed)
eggplants
2 (chopped)
chili flakes
3/4 (teaspoon)
diced tomatoes
400 (grams)
chicken stock
1 (cup)
flat leaf parsley
1/4 (cup, chopped)
Instructions
1
1. In a large non-stick frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the lean beef sausages and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are evenly browned on all sides. Once browned, remove them from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat.
2
2. In the same pan, add the chopped brown onion, crushed garlic, and chopped eggplant. Stir frequently and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the eggplant is golden brown and tender.
3
3. Stir in the chili flakes and diced tomatoes, mixing well. Allow this mixture to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
4
4. Pour in the chicken stock, and bring the mixture to a boil for 1-2 minutes. Once boiling, carefully transfer the eggplant mixture into the slow cooker.
5
5. Nestle the browned sausages into the slow cooker among the eggplant mixture. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6 hours.
6
6. When the cooking time is complete, give the casserole a good stir. Incorporate the chopped flat leaf parsley and season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
7
7. Serve hot, optionally accompanied by steamed vegetables and crusty bread to soak up the wonderful sauce.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
7.5g
Carbs
14.5g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Slow Cooker Sausage, Eggplant & Tomato Medley?
It is a comforting Italian-inspired casserole featuring lean beef sausages, eggplant, and a rich tomato sauce cooked slowly to meld flavors.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the recommended cooking time on the HIGH setting?
The dish should be cooked for 4 hours on the HIGH setting in the slow cooker.
What is the recommended cooking time on the LOW setting?
The dish should be cooked for 6 hours on the LOW setting in the slow cooker.
Do I need to brown the sausages before putting them in the slow cooker?
Yes, you should brown the sausages in a frying pan for 2 to 3 minutes to enhance flavor and remove excess fat.
What type of sausages are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 lean beef sausages.
How many calories are in one serving of this medley?
There are 180 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 10g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 7.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content of the sausage and eggplant medley?
Each serving provides 14.5g of protein.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, each serving contains 2.5g of fiber.
What vegetables are included in this slow cooker meal?
The primary vegetables are eggplant, brown onion, and diced tomatoes.
How many eggplants do I need?
The recipe requires 2 chopped eggplants.
Is this dish spicy?
The recipe includes 3/4 teaspoon of chili flakes, providing a gentle hint of spice.
What type of stock is used for the sauce?
One cup of chicken stock is used as the liquid base.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe uses 2 crushed garlic cloves.
What should I serve with this meal?
It is best served with crusty bread for soaking up the sauce or alongside fresh steamed vegetables.
Is there any fresh herb used for garnish?
Yes, 1/4 cup of chopped flat leaf parsley is stirred in at the end.
How do I prepare the eggplant before slow cooking?
The chopped eggplant should be sautéed with onion and garlic for about 5 minutes until golden and tender.
Do I need to boil the mixture before putting it in the slow cooker?
Yes, after adding the chicken stock to the eggplant and tomato mixture, bring it to a boil for 1-2 minutes before transferring to the slow cooker.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Yes, it is noted as being perfect for meal prep or family dinners.
What kind of onion is recommended?
One large chopped brown onion is recommended.
What amount of tomatoes is used?
The recipe uses 400 grams of diced tomatoes.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is to brown the lean beef sausages in olive oil in a non-stick frying pan.
When should I add the parsley?
Add the chopped flat leaf parsley after the slow cooking time is complete and you have stirred the casserole.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Should I season the dish with pepper?
Yes, once cooking is complete, season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Is this a vegetable-heavy dish?
Yes, it is tagged as a vegetable stew and contains significant amounts of eggplant and tomato.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is described as a 'set it and forget it' easy, wholesome meal.
How should the sausages be placed in the slow cooker?
The browned sausages should be nestled into the eggplant mixture inside the slow cooker.