Italian Veggie Bake

This is delicious and can be made ahead! The vegetables listed below are the original list--sort of like a ratatouille--but we don't like eggplant or mushrooms, so I sometimes leave those out and just add extra squash and/or peppers. We got a great looking assortment of squash and peppers from the Colvins this week, so that's primarily what I used.

Italian Veggie Bake
~Out Here cookbook

• 1/3 c. Italian dressing (any kind: homemade, storebought, light, etc.)*
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 small unpeeled eggplant, cubed
• 1 medium zucchini, cubed
• 1 large red pepper, cubed
• 1 fresh package (6 oz.) sliced mushrooms
• 1 can (14.5 oz) Italian-style stewed tomatoes, drained and diced (or 2 c. fresh, diced tomatoes)*
• 1/3 c. shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 T. chopped parsley, optional

 *"Light" Italian dressing is often sweeter as are stewed tomatoes. These make the dish a bit sweeter--which many folks (especially children) enjoy.

1. Heat salad dressing in a large skillet over medium heat. 
2. Add onion and cook 5 minutes or until tender.
3. Add eggplant and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally (if not using eggplant, just cook the onion for the additional 5 minutes before moving on).
4. Add remaining vegetables except tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to love, cover, and simmer 15 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.
6. Pour mixture into a casserole dish (I use a 13x9-inch dish). Sprinkle with cheese.
7. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until heated through. You can also refrigerate at this point and bake tomorrow!
8. Sprinkle with parsley just before serving.

 ~Makes 14 1/2-cup servings