لوبیا پلو Loobia polow is a delicious one-dish meal the whole family can enjoy. It's a flavorful combination of rice, diced lamb or beef, and tender green beans. I make loobia Polow quite often for my family, and it's always a favorite at the table.
Loobia Polow - Rice with Green Beans
Ingredients
Serves 4-6
- 2 cups long-grain basmati rice
- 1 1/2 pounds lamb or beef, cut into small pieces
- 1 lb fresh string beans, washed, cut into 1-inch lengths
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 large ripe tomato, diced
- 1 (16-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Juice of a lime or lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
- Wash the rice in several changes of cold water until the water runs clear. Soak for at least an hour in salted water.
- In a large pan, heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the onion and saute until golden.
- Add turmeric powder, and mix well.
- Stir in the meat, salt, pepper, and cinnamon, and cook until browned on all sides.
- Add the diced tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes, then stir in the tomato sauce, a cup of water, and simmer gently for 20 minutes.
- Stir in the green beans, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until the beans and meat are tender. Adjust the seasoning and add lime juice to taste.
- Bring 2 quarts of water to a rapid boil in a large saucepan. Drain the rice and pour it into boiling water. Bring the water back to a boil, and cook for about 5-7 minutes on medium-high heat or until the grains are just tender but still firm in the center. Drain in a colander and rinse well with cool water.
- In a heavy-bottomed pot, add 4 tablespoons of oil. Layer half the rice, then spread the meat and bean mixture over it, followed by the remaining rice. Shape the rice into a pyramid and away from the sides of the pot.
- Using the handle of a wooden spoon, make 4-5 holes in the rice for steam to escape. Drizzle with2-3 tablespoons oil or melted butter. Cover the lid with a clean kitchen towel, place it on the pot, and cook over low heat for 40-50 minutes.
- Transfer the rice to a serving platter, and serve with (tahdig), alongside. Serve with salad, mast o khiar, or torshi (pickles).
Enjoy!