Awesome Bulgur Salad with Chick Peas and Veggies

Servings: 4-6 as a side dish- (3-4 as a main course)

The Stuff you need:

• 1 cup bulgur or light bulgur
• 1-1/2 teaspoons salt- (divided)
• 1/3 cup red onion diced (or green onion if you don’t prefer raw onion) – also, Vidalia onions work wonderfully!
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 English (or hothouse) cucumber, seeded and diced
• 16 grape or cherry tomatoes, whole holds up longer
• 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh dill
• 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1-2 hot chili peppers and seeds ( optional – to your taste, for a little kick )
• 1 15-ounce can chick peas, drained and rinsed
• 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice, from 1-2 lemons
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
• 1 teaspoon cider vinegar
•  Crumbled feta cheese – for garnish (optional)

What to do with the Stuff:

• Bring 2 cups of water to boil
• Place the bulgur in a large bowl with 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Add 1-1/4 cups boiling water
• Cover the bowl tightly with saran wrap
• Set aside for 30 min, (or until all of the water is absorbed)
• When all water is absorbed, fluff with fork
• Combine the cooked bulgur with the red onions, peppers, cucumber, garlic, tomatoes, and rest of seasonings to taste
• Season to your taste with more salt, pepper, garlic, hot pepper, fresh or dried herbs, cumin & lemon pepper   to your taste)
• Put in refrigerator for at least 2 hours
• Fluff with fork, serve cold