Bulgur, do your heart a favor!

Have you ever tried the whole grain wheat, Bulgur?  It is a staple of Middle Eastern cuisine but is gaining popularity in the United States.  It has a chewy texture and a mild nutty flavor.  In recipes, bulgur can be used in place of rice and cous cous.  It can also be added to soups, bakery goods, stuffing, and casseroles.  It is of high nutritional value being high in fiber and rich in minerals.  Eating a whole grain such as bulgur can decrease your risk of certain diseases such as heart diseases, and cancers.

This is a great recipe I got from allrecipes.com.  The recipe also contains another super food, lentils.  This makes a great dish to take to social gatherings.

Refreshing Bulgur Salad
Servings 10

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups boiling water
1 1/2 cups bulgur
5 cups water
1 1/2 cups dry lentils, rinsed
1 cup diced green onion
1 cup diced sweet red pepper
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup minced fresh parsley

Dressing:
1/3 cup cider vinegar
1/3 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 tablespoon dill seed
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3/4 cup feta cheese

Directions
1.  In a large bowl, pour boiling water over bulgur; let stand until the liquid is absorbed, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add lentils. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain. In another large bowl, combine bulgur and lentils; cool completely.

2.  Add the peppers, onions and parsley. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the vinegar, oil, basil, dill, salt and pepper. Pour over salad; toss to coat. Crumble feta cheese over top;  toss again. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or until serving.