The Persian Lubia Polo recipe is a rice-based dish made with a combination of long-grain basmati rice, green beans, and a seasoned tomato-based sauce. The key to achieving the right texture is parboiling the rice before layering it with the sauce and allowing it to steam to perfection. This method ensures that the rice remains fluffy and does not become mushy during the final cooking stage.
The sauce in the Persian Lubia Polo recipe is made by simmering finely chopped green beans with a rich tomato base. The tomato sauce is infused with spices that enhance the flavor, allowing the beans to absorb the seasoning as they cook. The green beans should be cut into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish. The sauce must be cooked until it reaches a thick consistency so that it evenly coats the rice when layered.
The layering technique used in the Persian Lubia Polo recipe is crucial for achieving the best results. After parboiling the rice, it is layered in alternating sections with the green bean sauce, allowing the flavors to blend together as the dish steams. This process enhances the aroma and ensures that every bite contains a balanced mix of ingredients. A crispy layer of tahdig, formed at the bottom of the pot, adds texture to the dish.
The Persian Lubia Polo recipe requires careful heat management to ensure even cooking. Once assembled, the dish is covered and steamed on low heat, allowing the rice to fully absorb the flavors of the sauce. The final dish is typically served with yogurt or pickled vegetables, complementing the rich and savory flavors of the rice and beans. Proper preparation and patience are essential for achieving the ideal taste and texture in this dish.
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Why You’ll Love This Persian Lubia Polo Recipe
We love Persian Lubia Polo because it’s a warm and comforting dish perfect for any meal. This Persian rice recipe combines fluffy rice with tender green beans and spices, creating a wonderful balance of flavors.
Here are some reasons to try this delicious recipe:
- Nutritious Ingredients: Persian Lubia Polo uses healthy ingredients like green beans, which are rich in vitamins and fiber.
- Versatile Base: You can pair this rice dish with various proteins, like ground lamb or beef, or keep it vegetarian with mushrooms and tofu.
- Easy to Make: This one-pot meal is simple and quick, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
- Fragrant Spices: The blend of spices such as cumin, turmeric, and coriander adds a delightful aroma to your kitchen.
Our favorite part? It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings friends and family together. You’ll enjoy every bite of this flavorful dish, whether served at dinner parties or a cozy weekend meal. Plus, the fluffy rice texture makes it truly satisfying.
Give Persian Lubia Polo a try, and we believe you’ll find it becomes a cherished part of your meal rotation!
What Makes This Recipe Special
Our Persian Lubia Polo, or green bean rice, is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting dish that brings warmth to our table.
Delicious Flavors
This recipe features a rich blend of spices that make every bite flavorful. The combination of green beans, tender meat, and tomato sauce create a mouthwatering taste that keeps us coming back for more.
Versatile Options
We love how this dish can fit many diets. For those looking for a vegetarian version, simply skip the meat. This vegan Lubia Polo can still be full of flavor with extra beans and spices.
Cultural Significance
As part of Persian cuisine, Lubia Polo connects us to a rich culinary tradition. This dish often graces special occasions and gatherings, making it perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Comfort Food
Nothing feels as comforting as a warm bowl of Persian rice. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that reminds us of home.
Easy to Make
With straightforward steps, this Persian rice recipe is easy to prepare. Whether you are an experienced cook or a beginner, you can create this delightful dish in no time.
In our experience, cooking Lubia Polo brings joy and a sense of community, making it a special recipe we cherish.
Cooking Equipment Needed
To make tasty Persian Lubia Polo, we need some essential cooking equipment. Having the right tools makes the process smoother.
Here’s a list of what we will need:
- Rice Cooker: Great for cooking basmati rice perfectly.
- Nonstick Pot: Useful for layering rice and sauce without sticking.
- Saucepan: Perfect for boiling fresh green beans.
- Skillet or Frying Pan: For sautéing onions and spices.
For ingredients, here’s what we will work with:
- Vegetable Oil or Olive Oil: Both can be used for cooking.
- Spices: This includes turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon, cumin, and advieh.
- Garlic: Freshly minced cloves will add flavor.
- Onion: Chopped onions to enhance the dish.
- Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes and tomato paste help create a rich sauce.
We might also consider:
- Ground Black Pepper: For a depth of flavor.
- Saffron: Bloomed saffron gives a lovely color and taste.
- Mushrooms: Optional, but they add a nice texture.
- Potatoes: Sometimes layered with rice for added heartiness.
Having these tools and ingredients ready will help us create this delicious dish with ease!
Cooking Instructions
To make Lubia Polo, we start with Persian rice.
First, rinse the rice in lukewarm water. This helps remove excess starch.
Next, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt to flavor the rice.
Once it’s boiling, add the rice and cook for about 6 minutes. We want it slightly tender but still firm.
In a separate pan, prepare the green bean mixture.
Boil frozen green beans for about 5 minutes. Drain them and rinse with cold water to keep their color bright.
For the meat, we can choose between beef, lamb, or ground meat.
Heat some oil in a skillet, then add the minced meat. Cook until browned. We can also add tofu for a vegetarian option.
Once the meat is ready, mix in rich tomato sauce and let it simmer. This adds a great flavor to our dish.
Now, it’s time to combine everything.
In a large serving dish, layer the rice and the green bean mixture. Top it with the meat and sauce.
Finally, garnish with herbs if you like. This dish not only looks beautiful but also tastes fantastic. Enjoy your homemade Lubia Polo!
Cooking Tips
When making Lubia Polo, we recommend using long grain basmati rice for the best texture. This rice holds its shape well and provides a light, fluffy dish.
To achieve that perfect crispy tahdig, use enough oil in your pot.
Once the rice is ready, layer it carefully to form a nice crust at the bottom.
For added nutrition, consider mixing in vegetables like green beans. They not only enhance flavor but also boost fiber and vitamins.
Adding a side of Salad Shirazi is a great way to complement the rice. The fresh cucumber, tomatoes, and lemon juice create a refreshing balance to the dish.
If you prefer a vegetarian version, we can substitute meat with tofu or mushrooms. This keeps it packed with protein while remaining nutritious.
Cooking time is important for perfect rice. Make sure to watch closely during the steaming phase to keep everything from getting mushy.
A dollop of yogurt on the side makes a wonderful pairing. It adds creaminess and a hint of tang that enhances the flavors.
We love using spices for flavor, so don’t hesitate to explore with garlic, turmeric, or coriander. They provide not just taste but also anti-inflammatory benefits.
Lastly, this dish is perfect for meal prep. We can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week!
Ingredients Needed for the Persian Lubia Polo Recipe
fresh green beans
vegetable oil
onion
ground beef
turmeric
cayenne pepper
curry powder
cinnamon
salt
tomato paste
water
Rice:
water
Basmati rice
salt
vegetable oil
potatoes
saffron
Instructions For Preparing the Persian Lubia Polo Recipe
Preparing the Green Bean Mixture
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan or pot. Add the green beans and cook for 5 minutes, then drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside. In a large pan over medium heat, heat the oil and sauté the onion until golden brown. Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink, then stir in the turmeric, cayenne, curry, cinnamon, and salt, cooking for another 5 minutes. Mix in the tomato paste and water until well combined. Stir in the green beans and bring to a low simmer. Cover and cook for about 20 minutes until the green beans are fully tender, adding more water if needed to keep the mixture from drying out. Adjust seasoning to taste, then set aside.
Preparing the Rice
In a large pot, bring water with salt to a rolling boil. Rinse the Basmati rice 2-3 times to remove excess starch. Once the water is boiling, add the rice and cook for about 6 minutes until al dente—the outer layer should be soft, but the center still firm. Drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Layering and Cooking
Return the pot to medium-high heat. Once dry, add 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil and arrange the potato slices to cover the bottom. Layer one-third of the rice over the potatoes, followed by some bloomed saffron and one-third of the green bean mixture. Repeat until all the rice and filling are used, shaping the rice into a mound with more in the center. Poke holes in the rice with the end of a wooden spoon. Pour 1/3 cup water around the edges, wrap the lid in a clean kitchen towel to absorb steam, and cover. Cook over medium-high heat for 15 minutes. Let the steam escape, then drizzle 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil over the rice. Cover and cook for another 30 minutes until fully cooked and fragrant.
Serving
Fluff the rice to mix the filling evenly and serve with Salad Shirazi and plain yogurt sprinkled with dried mint. Enjoy your Persian Green Bean Rice.
FAQs For the Persian Lubia Polo Recipe
Question: What is the Persian Lubia Polo Recipe?
A: The Persian Lubia Polo recipe is a fragrant Persian rice dish made with green beans, tomatoes, spices, and either ground or shredded meat, all layered and steamed to perfection.
Question: Can I make the Persian Lubia Polo Recipe without meat?
A: Yes, the Persian Lubia Polo recipe can be made vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding mushrooms, lentils, or extra green beans for a hearty and flavorful alternative.
Question: What type of rice is best for the Persian Lubia Polo Recipe?
A: The Persian Lubia Polo recipe is traditionally made with long-grain basmati rice, which provides the best texture and aroma when cooked using the Persian steaming method.
Question: How do I get a crispy Tahdig in the Persian Lubia Polo Recipe?
A: To achieve a golden, crispy Tahdig in the Persian Lubia Polo recipe, layer the bottom of the pot with oil or butter and place a thin layer of rice before adding the rest of the ingredients.
Question: What can I serve with the Persian Lubia Polo Recipe?
A: The Persian Lubia Polo recipe pairs well with yogurt, Shirazi salad, torshi (pickled vegetables), and a side of fresh herbs for a balanced and authentic Persian meal.
Persian Lubia Polo Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb green bean fresh cut into 1/2 inch pieces
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 8 ounces ground beef
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water
Rice:
- 6 cups water
- 2 1/2 cups Basmati rice
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 6 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 potatoes sliced (1/2 inch thickness)
- 1/4 cup saffron bloomed
Instructions
Preparing the Green Bean Mixture
- Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan or pot. Add the green beans and cook for 5 minutes, then drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside. In a large pan over medium heat, heat the oil and sauté the onion until golden brown. Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink, then stir in the turmeric, cayenne, curry, cinnamon, and salt, cooking for another 5 minutes. Mix in the tomato paste and water until well combined. Stir in the green beans and bring to a low simmer. Cover and cook for about 20 minutes until the green beans are fully tender, adding more water if needed to keep the mixture from drying out. Adjust seasoning to taste, then set aside.
Preparing the Rice
- In a large pot, bring water with salt to a rolling boil. Rinse the Basmati rice 2-3 times to remove excess starch. Once the water is boiling, add the rice and cook for about 6 minutes until al dente—the outer layer should be soft, but the center still firm. Drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Layering and Cooking
- Return the pot to medium-high heat. Once dry, add 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil and arrange the potato slices to cover the bottom. Layer one-third of the rice over the potatoes, followed by some bloomed saffron and one-third of the green bean mixture. Repeat until all the rice and filling are used, shaping the rice into a mound with more in the center. Poke holes in the rice with the end of a wooden spoon. Pour 1/3 cup water around the edges, wrap the lid in a clean kitchen towel to absorb steam, and cover. Cook over medium-high heat for 15 minutes. Let the steam escape, then drizzle 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil over the rice. Cover and cook for another 30 minutes until fully cooked and fragrant.
Serving
- Fluff the rice to mix the filling evenly and serve with Salad Shirazi and plain yogurt sprinkled with dried mint. Enjoy your Persian Green Bean Rice.
1 comment
The layering of saffron-infused rice with tomato-seasoned green beans and ground beef made for an incredible one-pot meal. The crispy tahdig at the bottom was a wonderful surprise! It was easy to make, and everyone loved the comforting, savory flavors. This will definitely become a regular in my kitchen.