Lubia Polo (Persian Green Bean Rice)

Lubia Polo (Persian Green Bean Rice)

Serves 4

A classic Persian rice dish made with savory ground meat, tender green beans, and a perfectly crisp tahdig at the bottom.

Ingredients

Rice

  • 2 cups basmati or jasmine rice

  • Water, for rinsing and boiling

  • 2 tbsp salt (for boiling water)

Sauce (Khoresh)

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground meat (80/20)

  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced

  • 1.5–2 cups green beans, trimmed and sliced

  • 1 jar marinara sauce

  • 2–3 tbsp olive oil (plus extra as needed)

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp turmeric

  • 1 tsp cinnamon (plus extra for layering)

  • ½ tbsp salt (for meat)

  • Black pepper, to taste

  • ¼–½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare Rice & Vegetables

  1. Rinse rice 5–6 times until water runs mostly clear. Set aside.

  2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté green beans for 7–10 minutes until lightly browned and tender. Remove and set aside.

  3. Add more oil if needed and sauté onions for about 10 minutes until golden and caramelized.

2. Make the Meat Sauce (Khoresh)

  1. Add ground meat to onions. Break up and cook until browned.

  2. Add turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well.

  3. Add marinara sauce and sautéed green beans.

  4. Cook for 2 minutes until thick and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning. Set aside.

3. Boil, Layer & Steam

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add rice and 2 tbsp salt (water should taste very salty).

  2. Boil until rice is al dente. Drain immediately.

  3. Add a thin layer of rice to the bottom of a nonstick pot.

  4. Layer rice and meat sauce, sprinkling cinnamon between layers.

  5. Wrap lid with a clean kitchen towel, cover tightly.

  6. Cook on medium heat for 5–8 minutes, then reduce to low and steam for 45 minutes.

To Serve

Spoon rice onto a platter. Carefully remove the tahdig and serve on the side.