Eggplant (Aubergine) and Rice Dressing

Ingredients

• 3/4 lb lean ground beef
• 3/4 lb ground lean pork or hot Italian sausage
• 1 slice bacon, diced
• 2 cups chopped onions
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 2 garlic cloves
• 4 medium eggplants, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh sage or 1/4 teaspoon ground sage
• salt, to taste
• fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• cayenne pepper or cajun seasoning
• 2 cups cooked long-grain rice
• 1 cup cooked wild rice (you may omit if you use 3 cups long-grain rice)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1. 1

   In a large heavy pot over medium high heat, brown the beef, pork, and bacon.

2. 2

   Add the chopped onions, celery, bell peppers, and garlic and continue to cook, stirring often, until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes.

3. 3

   Add the eggplant, broth, and sage, and simmer until eggplant softens, about 15 minutes.

4. 4

   Mash the cooked eggplant with a fork and season to taste with salt, black pepper, and cayenne (or Cajun seasoning).

5. 5

   Add cooked rice and parsley, stir well to mix.

6. 6

   Place in serving dish and enjoy!

7. 7

   Notes: other possible additions include- for the holidays, dried cranberries, currants, or golden raisins; shrimp; curry powder could also be tasty.