Eggplant and Mushroom Strogonoff

Description
Makes plenty for 4-6 hungry people. Recipe can be halved. I got this soup recipe off this group, but unfortunately lost the name of the author. It's really wonderful! the only comment is that i use less water when making cream sauces than is suggested here.

Ingredients

 * 1 med eggplant
 * 1½ lbs mushrooms, cut into thick slices (⅓ – ½ in.) (i used button and cremini didn't care for the shiitake though)
 * ⅔ cup homemade soup mix plus 2 cups water or 2 cans low fat cream of mushroom soup
 * 4 cloves crushed garlic (or to taste)
 * 1 tbsp paprika (or to taste, i use more!)
 * 1 tbsp nutmeg (or to taste)
 * salt and pepper to taste
 * ¼ cup each balsamic vinegar
 * white wine for sauteing

Directions

 * 1) Cut the eggplant into thick slices (can leave skin on, if desired) salted the slices, and let them drain for about half an hour or so. Pat them dry with a paper towel, then cut into bite-sized chunks. (the salting/draining helps keep the eggplant from getting bitter).
 * 2) In a cup, mix equal parts of balsamic vinegar and white wine for sauteing.
 * 3) Add crushed garlic to this mixture, and use this to saute eggplant until it is nice and soft (15-20 minutes at medium heat).
 * 4) Remove eggplant, and saute mushrooms in remaining vinegar/wine mixture until they release their juices.
 * 5) Stir in eggplant, then add soup mix and water (or canned soup, if using that).
 * 6) Add paprika, nutmeg, salt and pepper to taste, and cook 5-6 minutes until sauce has thickened and veggies are heated through.
 * 7) Add additional water if sauce is too thick, and do not overcook.
 * 8) Serve over rice or fettucine noodles.