Episode 58: Lubia Polo | Green Bean Rice

In Episode #58, co-hosts Bita and Beata talk about one of their all time favorite Persian dishes, Lubia Polo! Also spelled Loobia Polo. They uncover what it is, how to make it (both traditional methods and modern, fast and easy tips and tricks), pairings, and lastly the duo wraps up the episode with a touching Ask the Beats question and response.

After listening to this episode, you will have the tools to make Lubia Polo tonight, or on a future special occasion!

What is in lubia polo?

Basmati rice
Traditionally a red meat – stewed/cubed or ground
Variety of spice options that may include the following
- Turmeric
- Cinnamon
- Saffron
- Advieh (spice blend or mix – sometimes including cumin, cardamom, rose, ginger, cloves)
- Every family and person puts their own spice twist on this dish!
Modern versions may include different types of meat such as chicken, tofu crumbles or other vegetarian meats like beyond meat or incredible burger meat

How do you prepare it?

Always start with piyaz dagh (fried onions)
Add spices
Add meat
Add green beans and tomato paste and cover the pan to cook and simmer down
Traditionally – layer in a large baking dish or a large pot the parboiled rice with the mixture of onion, green bean, meat mixture and some sprinkles of cinnamon, cover the pot and simmer
Modern versions with short cuts – make lubia polo toppings as a “khorak” use pre cut/pre washed green beans or canned green beans and mix with rice cooked in a rice cooker

Occasions to make and enjoy lubia polo

Incorporating green beans cleverly for Thanksgiving dinner
Siz dah Bedar Persian New Year Picnic
Potluck
Taking food to friend or family member to share and/or to help out

Pairings

Plain yogurt
Mast-o-khiar | Persian Yogurt and Cucumber Dip
Salad Shirazi
Torshi | Pickled Vegetables
Sabzi Khordan | Fresh herb platter

Ask the Beats

Leyla in San Diego asks, What is the one thing you hope to pass on to your Persian children with regards to Persian cooking?
- Bita: Try some of our easy Persian recipes and bring people together and to the table. Know that we are a loving, warm, welcoming culture – Share love through food!
- Beata: Just try it. Try not to waste food, use what you have and try not to be wasteful. Feel free to make substitutions and experiment in the kitchen until you find something you like

Resources and recipes from this episode:

Episode 3: Rice

Episode 46: Persian Meal Planning

Bita’s recipe links:

Loobia Polo | Persian Green Bean Rice

How to Parboil Rice

How to Prepare Persian Rice in a Rice Cooker

Persian Yogurt and Cucumber Dip | Mast o Khiar

Beata’s recipe links:

Lubia Polo for the Persian New Year Sezdeh be Dar Picnic

Katte Persian Rice with Tahdig

Persian Salads: Maast-o-Khiar with Shallot and Salad Shirazi