Lubia Polo - Persian Green Bean Rice
Lubia Polo, also known as Persian Green Bean Rice, is a delightful Persian dish that combines aromatic basmati rice with tender green beans.
This flavorful rice dish is typically cooked with fragrant herbs, spices, and tomato sauce, which infuse the rice and green beans with a savory and aromatic taste.
Lubia Polo is often served as a main course, accompanied by a protein such as chicken or beef, and garnished with fried onions and sometimes raisins or barberries.
The combination of the tender rice, vibrant green beans, and aromatic seasonings creates a harmonious and satisfying culinary experience.
Ingredients. - Serves 4-6
Green beans and meat mixture
- 500g meat (lamb or beef cubes/ground beef/chicken)
- 2 Large Onions
- 500g green beans
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- ½ tsp paprika
- 6 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup boiling water
Rice
- 2 1/2 cups long-grain basmati rice
- 2 tsp salt
- 6 cups of water
- Vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp bloomed Saffron
Instructions
1. In a large sized frying pan, add 2 tablespoons of ghee and saute the onion over medium heat for about 10 minutes. Add turmeric and saute for an additional couple of minutes. Remove the onions from the pan and set aside in a medium sized bowl.
2. Add 2 additional tablespoons of ghee and saute the green beans over medium heat for about 10 minutes. Stir frequently. Remove from the pan and add to the bowl with the sauted onions.
3. Using the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of ghee and saute the cubed beef on high heat for about 5 minutes. Lower the flame, cover and cook the beef in its own juice for about 20 minutes.
4. Return the onion and green beans mixture to the pan, add salt, pepper, cinnamon and tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until the tomato paste has been well integrated into the dish.
5. Add the lemon juice and about 1/2 cup of water to the pan, cover and cook over low flame for 30 minutes. The green beans and meat should have softened at this stage. Adjust the water as needed and keep in mind that the stew should be thick and not watery at the end.
6. While the stew is cooking, rinse the soaked rice several times and bring 8 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of salt to a boil.
7. Add the rinsed rice and boil on high heat uncovered for about 5-7 minutes. The rice should still have some texture and density to it.
8. Drain the rice in a large colander and set aside while you prepare the pan.
9. Melt 2 tablespoons of ghee in a nonstick pot and arrange the sliced potatoes on the bottom. This will be the crispy potato tahdig!
10. Begin by layering a 1/3 of the partially cooked rice and a 1/3 of the green beans mixture into the pot and repeat until all of the rice and the green beans have been layered in the pot. Gently mix the rice and the beans mixture to have a more uniform mixture.
11. Wrap the lid with a clean towel and place on top of the pot. Allow the rice to steam over a medium-low to medium heat for about 45 minutes.
12. Remove the pan from the heat and allow to rest for 5 minutes.
13. Select a large tray or platter to place on top of the pan and carefully and swiftly invert the rice onto the platter.
14. Serve the rice with a piece of butter on top and a side of yogurt or Persian pickled eggplants.Lubia Polo offers a tantalising blend of flavours and textures that make it a beloved dish in Persian cuisine. Whether enjoyed as a standalone meal or accompanied by protein and garnishes, this dish is a true celebration of Persian culinary artistry.
