Loubia Polo – Persian Rice with Green Beans

INGREDIENTS
1 Large Red Onion chopped in small cubes
2 Garlic Cloves finely minced
3 Tablespoon Tomato Paste
1 Small Can of Chopped tomatoes
250 Gr. Ground Beef – You can also use ground lamb
1 Teaspoon Turmeric
1 Teaspoon Coriander
1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
1 Teaspoon Sugar
Pinch of Saffron
250 Gr. of Green Beans – You can use frozen which work just as well

RICE :
2 Cups Basmati Rice
2 Teaspoon Salt
1 Large potato sliced – 5 slices
Olive Oil

PREPARATION
In a large sauce pan, saute the onions and garlic in olive oil, until slightly browned on the side. Add the ground beef and saute until browned. Then add the turmeric, coriander, cinnamon and sugar and saute for a minute more. Add the tomato puree, the tomato sauce, salt & pepper and the saffron and the green beans. Cook at medium heat for about 20 minutes.
In the meantime, cook the pre-washed basmati rice in a pan full of hot water to wich you put the salt. Bring to a boil and cook for about 7 minutes. The rice should still be al dente.
Use another pan and saute the sliced potato until crispy. Cover the base with basmati rice and a layer of the meat mixture. Repeat the procedure until all the meat has been used up. Finish with the rice.
Place a linen cloth on the cover of the pan and cook at low-medium meat for about 20 minutes. The rice should still be firm.
Serve with a Tomato and Cucumber salad and fresh yogurt.
You can also include a teaspoon of rose water if you wish.
Try it – A new comfort food – Kids love it too !