Lubia Polo
Lubia Polo is a flavorful Persian-style rice dish featuring seasoned beef, green beans, and aromatic spices, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large frying pan.
- Add diced round steak, chopped onion, salt, pepper, cinnamon, and chili powder; sauté until the meat is brown.
- Add water, tomato sauce with tomato bits, and frozen French-style green beans to the meat mixture.
- Simmer for 1 1/2 hours until flavors meld and the meat is tender.
- Serve the meat and bean mixture over cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the diced round steak in olive oil, salt, and spices for a few hours before cooking. If you prefer fresh green beans, you can substitute frozen beans with about 1 lb of fresh ones. For a spicier kick, increase the chili powder or add diced jalapeños. This dish also works well with different cuts of beef; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
Lubia Polo is best served over fluffy cooked rice, which absorbs the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. A side of warm bread, such as Spanish Rolls, can also complement this dish perfectly, making it a wonderful family meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lubia Polo contains roughly 455 calories, with 19g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (130% of the Daily Value), protein (38% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1079mg per serving (47% 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 a different type of meat in Lubia Polo?
Yes, you can use chicken or lamb as alternatives to round steak. Adjust the cooking time based on the meat's tenderness; chicken will cook faster, while lamb may require a similar time to beef.
How can I make Lubia Polo vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version, replace the meat with diced tofu or tempeh. You can also increase the quantity of green beans and add other vegetables like carrots or zucchini to enhance the dish.
What spices can I add for more flavor?
Along with cinnamon and chili powder, consider adding cumin or turmeric for extra depth. A bay leaf during simmering can also enhance the flavor profile. Just remember to remove it before serving!
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).