Persian Beef, Green Beans & Rice

Known as Lubia Polo, this recipe is a one pot rice and meat dish. There are many interpretations of the dish. The recipe offered below is much easier than the classic preparation. It is a recipe that is pretty forgiving making it ideal for weekday dinners.

The dish is very distinct in Persian flavors. The cinnamon adds warmth and the saffron adds an unmistakable Middle Eastern flavor. This recipe is made with fragrant Basmati rice, which is favored in Middle Eastern cooking because the grains stay separate after cooking, making it a fluffy rice.

With the tomato paste, the intensity of the flavor will vary by manufacturer. I would suggest starting with a few tablespoons and adjusting to your desired "tomato flavor".

Also, since you will be incorporating the beef and green bean mixture to the rice while it is cooking, it is very important to use a larger cooking vessel that will be able to accommodate all the ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 2 large onions, chopped
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 cups green beans, cut in 1/2" pieces
• 1/2 cup water
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 3 to 5 tbsp tomato paste (small can or tube)
• 1/2 tsp saffron
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• Sea salt and fresh ground pepper (to taste)
• Basmati Rice (see below)

Preparation:

1. Prepare 4 cups of Basmati rice on stove top or in an electric rice cooker
   
   
2. Steep saffron in a very small amount of water
   
   
3. Heat oil in a pan and sauté the onions until softened
   
   
4. Add the ground beef and cook until the beef is brown
   
   
5. Pour off the excess fat from the beef
   
   
6. Add the green beans and sauté until soft ( about 4 to 6 mins)
   
   
7. Add the saffron and water, cinnamon and tomato paste to the beans and beef - mix well
   
   
8. Add 1/2 cup of water to the pan
   
   
9. On a low heat, cover and simmer the mixture for another 7 to 10 minutes
   
   
10. After the mixture has simmered add salt and pepper to taste
    
    
11. When the rice is about 3/4 of the way cooked add the beef and green bean mixture to the rice - mix well
    
    
12. Let the rice continue to cook covered for the remaining time until the rice is done