Vegetarian Shepherd'S Pie (Crock Pot) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

For the topping
4 sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
1 tablespoon butter
salt
pepper
For the pie
1 cup bulgur (see note in description if you prefer a meat-lovers shepherd pie)
2 cups boiling water
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 onions, chopped
4 -5 carrots, peeled and sliced
4 -5 parsnips, peeled and sliced
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary minced)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
8 ounces cremini mushrooms (or 8 ounce regular mushrooms, quartered)
1 tablespoon flour
1 cup vegetable broth
1/4 cup tomato paste
1 cup swiss cheese (optional)

Preparation

To make the topping: in a pot of boiling water, cook sweet potatoes until tender (20-30 minutes). Drain; mash potatoes, stir in butter and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
To make the pie: in a bowl combine bulgur and boiling water; set aside for 20 minutes or until water is absorbed. Set aside.
Over medium heat, heat oil in a skillet for 30 seconds or so.
Add vegetables (onions - parsnips) and cook, stirring until vegetables are softened (6-10 minutes).
Stir in garlic, rosemary, salt and pepper, continuing to cook stirring for another minute or so.
Stir in mushrooms, tossing to coat.
Stir in flour and cook stirring for another minute or so.
Stir in broth and tomato paste. Bring mixture to a boil and then transfer to slow cooker.
Add bulgur and stir in well.
Spread sweet potato topping over mixture.
Place a tea towel folded in half over top of stoneware to absorb excess moisture. (I used a paper towel but a tea towel would probably work so much better.).
Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on High for 3-4 hours or until vegetables are tender.
Sprinkle with Swiss cheese if using, and cover and cook on high for another 15 minutes or until cheese is melted.