Lubia Polo Recipe: Easy Persian Rice & Green Beans

Updated at: 13/06/2025

Lubia Polo, a vibrant and flavorful Persian rice dish, is a comforting classic that's surprisingly easy to make. This recipe combines fluffy basmati rice with tender green beans, creating a delightful balance of textures and tastes. The subtle sweetness of the rice perfectly complements the fresh, slightly earthy notes of the green beans, resulting in a dish that's both satisfying and elegant. It's a wonderful vegetarian option, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The aromatic spices add depth and complexity without overpowering the natural flavors of the ingredients, making it a truly memorable culinary experience.

Beyond its deliciousness, Lubia Polo is incredibly versatile. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking, or add other vegetables like carrots or peas for extra color and nutrition. For a truly authentic experience, consider serving it alongside a flavorful stew or kebab. Ready to embark on a culinary journey to Persia? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create your own perfect Lubia Polo.

Tools Needed

  • Pot
  • Strainer
  • Pan
  • Kitchen cloth/towel

Ingredients

  • Basmati rice: 200 grams
  • Ground lamb or beef: 150 grams
  • Snap beans: 200 grams
  • Onion: 1 medium
  • Saffron: a pinch
  • Turmeric: 1 teaspoon
  • Black pepper: 1 teaspoon
  • Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
  • Salt
  • Oil: 4 tbsp
  • Water

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Saute Meat

  • Wash the rice to remove starch and soak for 15 minutes.
  • Clean and cut the beans in half.
  • Dice the onion and fry with ground meat until golden brown.
  • Soak saffron in 2 tbsp hot water to extract color and aroma.
Wash the rice to remove starch and soak for 15 minutes.Clean and cut the beans in half.Dice the onion and fry with ground meat until golden brown.
Prepare Ingredients and Saute Meat
  • Add saffron, turmeric, pepper, and tomato paste to the meat; keep frying.
Add saffron, turmeric, pepper, and tomato paste to the meat; keep frying.
Prepare Ingredients and Saute Meat

Step 2. Cook Beans and Combine with Meat

  • Boil water, add beans and 2 tbsp salt; cook until tender.
  • Add cooked beans to the meat mixture and stir.
Boil water, add beans and 2 tbsp salt; cook until tender.Add cooked beans to the meat mixture and stir.
Cook Beans and Combine with Meat

Step 3. Cook and Drain Rice

  • Boil 3 liters of water with 2 tbsp salt; cook rice al dente.
  • Drain rice (don't rinse).
Boil 3 liters of water with 2 tbsp salt; cook rice al dente.
Cook and Drain Rice

Step 4. Layer and Steam Rice

  • In the same pot, add oil, layer rice and sauce, repeat.
  • Cover with a cloth, then lid. High heat 1 min, medium heat 7-8 min.
In the same pot, add oil, layer rice and sauce, repeat.Steam rice (Persian technique): Cover with a cloth, then lid. High heat 1 min, medium heat 7-8 min.
Layer and Steam Rice

Read more: Lebanese Beef Spinach Stew with Peppered Rice: A Winter Delight

Tips

  • Use snap beans, not French beans.
  • Don't stir the rice while cooking to prevent grains from breaking.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of beans instead of green beans?

Yes! Other green beans or even lima beans would work well. Just make sure they're cooked to a tender-crisp consistency before adding them to the rice.

2. How can I make sure my rice is fluffy and not sticky?

Proper rinsing of the rice is key to prevent stickiness. Also, ensure you're using the correct water-to-rice ratio and following the steaming instructions carefully.


With its simple ingredients and straightforward method, Lubia Polo is a rewarding dish for cooks of all levels. This flavorful and healthy recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen, impressing your family and friends with its authentic Persian taste. Enjoy the delicious results of your culinary journey!