Mediterranean Stew

Ingredients (use vegan versions):

• 1 medium eggplant, don''t peel, just chop
• 2 medium zucchini, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 or 3 ripe tomatoes, chopped, (or use canned)
• 2 cans garbanzo beans (chick peas), drained
• 1 can artichoke hearts (in water, not oil), quartered (optional)
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano (if using fresh, use 1 teaspoon and wait until near serving time.)
• Lots of freshly ground black pepper
• salt to taste
• red pepper flakes if you like (I do!)

Directions:

Put ingredients in a crockpot (the night before has worked well for me). Cook on low all day or on medium to high for shorter period. Serve on rice or noodles.