Loobia Pola(Rice With Green Beans)
Loobia Pola is a flavorful Persian rice dish with tender green beans, tomatoes, and aromatic spices, perfect for hearty family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Clean and wash the basmati rice thoroughly.
- Soak the rice in salted water for approximately 2 hours before cooking.
- Heat oil in a large pot and sauté finely chopped onion until translucent.
- Add meat for stew and brown on all sides.
- Stir in cubed tomatoes and cook until soft.
- Add tomato sauce, green beans, and diced potato to the pot.
- Season with cinnamon, saffron, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in water to cover the ingredients and simmer until the meat and vegetables are tender.
- Cook rice separately until al dente, then drain.
- Layer the cooked rice over the stew in the pot, cover, and steam together until flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more vibrant flavor, consider adding a pinch of turmeric along with the saffron. If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace meat with chickpeas or lentils and add more vegetables such as carrots and bell peppers. Soaking the rice helps achieve the fluffy texture typical of Persian rice dishes, so don't skip this step.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Loobia Pola hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added freshness. It pairs beautifully with a side of yogurt or a simple salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a dish like Southern Creamed Corn or a refreshing cucumber salad for contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water and cover the pot to create steam, ensuring the rice remains moist. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a damp paper towel on top to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Loobia Pola(Rice With Green Beans) contains roughly 2699 calories, with 12g protein, 105g carbohydrates, and 252g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (63% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (31% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2635mg per serving (115% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of beans in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute green beans with other types such as snap peas or even kidney beans for a different texture. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are tender but not mushy.
What type of meat works best for this dish?
Beef or lamb is traditionally used for this recipe, as they provide rich flavor during cooking. However, you can also use chicken or turkey for a lighter option, adjusting the cooking time accordingly for different meats.
How can I make this dish spicier?
For a spicier kick, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper when sautéing the onions. You can also serve it alongside a spicy condiment or chutney to enhance the heat according to your preference.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).