Tabouli Recipe

1 cup dry bulgur wheat
1 1/2 cups boiling water
1 to 1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup olive oil
2 med. cloves garlic, crushed
black pepper to taste
4 scallions, finely minced (whites & greens)
1 packed cup minced parsley
10 to 15 fresh mint leaves, minced
2 med. tomatoes, diced

OPTIONAL:
1/2 cup cooked chick peas
1 medium bell pepper, diced
1 small cucumber, seeded and minced

Combine bulgur & boiling water in a medium large bowl. Cover and let stand until bulgur is tender (20-30 mins). Add salt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic & black pepper & mix thoroughly. Cover tightly & refrigerate until about 30 minutes before serving.

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in remaining ingredients (including any optionals) and mix well. Serve cold w/ warm wedges of toasted pita bread.