Meatless Monday: Bulgur with Roasted Red Peppers, Chickpeas, and Spinach

Bulgur is a common ingredient in Middle Eastern dishes. It has a light, nutty flavor and, along with the chickpeas, adds protein to this vegetarian dinner.

1 cup bulgur
2 red bell peppers
½ cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 can (14.5 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and patted dry
2 cups baby spinach

Bring 2 cups water to a boil and add bulgur. Remove from heat and soak until tender, about 30 minutes. Drain in a fine-mesh sieve, pressing to remove as much liquid as possible; transfer bulgur to a large bowl.

While bulgur is soaking, roast peppers over a low gas flame or under the broiler, turning frequently with tongs, until blackened on all sides, 8 to 16 minutes. Place in a bowl; cover tightly with plastic wrap. Let cool. Peel off charred skins; discard seeds and stems. Chop peppers into ¾-inch pieces. Strain any juices from cutting board and bowl through a fine-mesh sieve and reserve.

In a small saucepan, heat ½ cup oil over medium-high. In batches, fry chickpeas until golden brown and lightly crisp, about 3 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels and season immediately with coarse salt.

Add chickpeas, peppers and reserved juices, spinach, and 2 tablespoons oil to bowl with bulgur and toss. Season with salt and ground pepper.

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