Persian Green Beans Rice (Loobia Polo)

Ingridiants:

One pound lean ground beef (or tiny cut stew meat)

1 large onion chopped

2 tablespoon corn oil or olive oil

1 pound green beans washed, dried and cut into small pieces

1 teaspoon of turmeric powder

1 can of tiny diced tomatoes in juice

1 tablespoon of tomato paste

1 tablespoon of cinnamon powder

1 tablespoon of salt

1 teaspoon of black pepper

4 cups basmati rice

How to make it:

(1)

In a large pan heat the one tablespoon of oil and saute' the chopped onions

Add the turmeric to the onions

Add meat, sprinkle with salt and let the meat get brown

Add the can of tomatoes and the tomato paste

Add the cinommon powder

Cover and let simmer on low heat

In a separate skillet (or a wok) heat one tablespoon of oil and pour in the beans

Stir the beans for about 6-7 minutes until tender but not burnt 

(you may leave a cover on the pan to make the process faster but do not let the steam make the beans soggy)

Pour the saute' beans into the meat and sauce mixture and leave on low heat

(2)

Make the rice: Boil the water in a pot with 1 tablespoon of salt. Add the rice and boil for 6-8 minutes.

Drain the water and leave aside

(3)

In a large pot (or electric non-stick serving skillet)  put 1 or 2 table spoon of oil and heat. Add a third of the rice. Cover with a third of the meat sauce. Add the rice again and cover with meat sauce. Continue until all is finished.

Leave the lid on and turn the heat up for 30-40 second then leave on low for about 20 minutes until the rice fluffs up.

Serve with yogurt and fresh herbs on the side

Enjoy!