Loobia Polo (لوبیا پلو) – Authentic Persian Green Bean Rice Recipe
Traditional Persian Green Bean Rice | Authentic Iranian Recipe by Azizom.net
Loobia Polo (لوبیا پلو)
A comforting one-pot Persian rice dish made with fragrant basmati rice, green beans, seasoned minced or cubed meat, tomatoes, onions, and warm Persian spices.
Loobia Polo (لوبیا پلو), meaning “Green Bean Rice,” is one of Iran’s most beloved everyday meals. Unlike ceremonial dishes reserved for holidays, Loobia Polo is enjoyed throughout the year by families across the country. Combining fluffy saffron-infused basmati rice with tender green beans and a rich tomato-based meat sauce, this hearty dish is both satisfying and full of authentic Persian flavours.
Although every region has its own slight variation, the classic Tehran-style Loobia Polo remains the most popular. The dish is typically served with Shirazi Salad, Mast-o-Khiar, fresh herbs, or pickled vegetables, making it a complete and balanced Persian meal.
Quick Recipe Information
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Persian Name | لوبیا پلو |
| English Name | Persian Green Bean Rice |
| Category | Rice Dish |
| Origin | Iran |
| Difficulty | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Medium) |
| Preparation Time | 25 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 60 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 25 minutes |
| Servings | 4–6 |
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Metric | Imperial | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basmati rice | 500 g | 2½ cups | Soaked |
| Lean minced beef or lamb | 400 g | 14 oz | Traditionally lamb or beef |
| Fresh green beans | 400 g | 14 oz | Cut into 2–3 cm pieces |
| Onion | 1 large | 1 | Finely chopped |
| Tomato paste | 3 tbsp | 3 tbsp | Rich colour |
| Tomatoes | 2 medium | 2 | Diced |
| Vegetable oil | 4 tbsp | 4 tbsp | |
| Butter | 30 g | 2 tbsp | Optional |
| Saffron | ½ tsp | ½ tsp | Bloomed in hot water |
| Turmeric | 1 tsp | 1 tsp | |
| Cinnamon | ½ tsp | ½ tsp | Optional but traditional |
| Ground black pepper | ½ tsp | ½ tsp | |
| Salt | To taste | ||
| Water | As required |
Optional Ingredients
- Potato slices for Tahdig
- Lavash bread for Tahdig
- Red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley
- Brewed saffron for garnish
Ingredient Spotlight
Green Beans
Fresh green beans give Loobia Polo its distinctive texture and freshness. Avoid overcooking them to preserve their vibrant colour.
Saffron
Persian saffron adds its signature aroma, golden colour, and luxurious finish. Always bloom saffron in hot (not boiling) water before use.
Tomato Paste
Cooking the tomato paste for a few minutes removes its raw flavour and deepens the sauce’s richness.
Equipment Needed
- Large cooking pot
- Non-stick frying pan
- Colander
- Wooden spoon
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Small bowl for saffron
Preparation Before Cooking
- Wash and soak the basmati rice for 1–2 hours in salted water.
- Trim and cut the green beans.
- Dice the onion and tomatoes.
- Bloom the saffron in 2 tablespoons of hot water.
- Prepare the meat and seasonings.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Rice
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the soaked basmati rice for 6–8 minutes until the grains are slightly tender but still firm.
Drain immediately and rinse briefly with warm water.
Step 2 – Cook the Meat
Heat the oil in a large frying pan.
Cook the onions until soft and lightly golden.
Add the minced meat and cook until browned.
Season with turmeric, pepper, cinnamon, and salt.
Step 3 – Prepare the Sauce
Add the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
Stir in the diced tomatoes.
Cook until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
Step 4 – Cook the Green Beans
Add the chopped green beans to the pan.
Pour in about ½ cup of water.
Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes until tender but not mushy.
Step 5 – Layer the Rice
Place a little oil or butter in a clean pot.
(Optional: arrange potato slices or lavash for Tahdig.)
Add alternating layers of rice and the meat-green bean mixture.
Finish with a layer of rice.
Drizzle with saffron water and melted butter.
Step 6 – Steam the Rice
Wrap the pot lid with a clean kitchen towel.
Steam over low heat for 40–45 minutes.
This creates fluffy rice and a crispy golden Tahdig.
Cooking Timeline
| Stage | Time |
|---|---|
| Ingredient Preparation | 25 min |
| Rice Boiling | 8 min |
| Meat & Sauce | 20 min |
| Green Beans | 20 min |
| Steaming | 45 min |
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 25 minutes
Azizom Cooking Tips
✅ Use high-quality aged basmati rice for the best texture.
✅ Do not overcook the rice before steaming.
✅ Fresh green beans produce a better flavour than frozen.
✅ Cook the tomato paste before adding tomatoes.
✅ Steam slowly over low heat for fluffy rice.
✅ A generous drizzle of saffron water adds authentic aroma and colour.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Rice
Rice should remain firm after boiling; it finishes cooking during steaming.
Mushy Green Beans
Cook until just tender to retain their texture.
Skipping the Resting Time
Allow the rice to rest for 10 minutes after steaming before serving.
Traditional Variations
Tehran Style
Made with minced beef, green beans, tomato paste, and saffron.
Shirazi Version
Often includes cinnamon and a sweeter tomato flavour.
Homemade Family Style
Many families use cubed lamb or beef instead of minced meat.
Vegetarian Version
Replace the meat with mushrooms, lentils, or soy mince.
What to Serve with Loobia Polo
Traditionally served with:
- Shirazi Salad
- Mast-o-Khiar
- Sabzi Khordan (fresh herbs)
- Torshi (Persian pickles)
- Plain yogurt
- Doogh (Persian yogurt drink)
Storage
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Steam gently or microwave with a splash of water to maintain moisture.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 26 g |
| Carbohydrates | 58 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fibre | 5 g |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes. Thaw and drain them well before cooking.
Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely. Chicken breast or thigh works well and creates a lighter version.
Can I make Loobia Polo vegetarian?
Yes. Replace the meat with mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based mince.
What rice is best?
Long-grain Persian or aged basmati rice gives the best results.
Can I prepare it in advance?
Yes. Like many Persian rice dishes, Loobia Polo often tastes even better the following day.
Persian Food Culture
Loobia Polo is one of the most common home-cooked meals in Iran, valued for its balance of vegetables, protein, and fragrant rice. It is frequently prepared for weekday family dinners, shared lunches, and casual gatherings. Every household has its own variation, with some adding cinnamon for warmth, others preferring cubed lamb instead of minced meat, or including extra saffron for a richer aroma.
Its simplicity, nourishing ingredients, and comforting flavours have made Loobia Polo a staple of Persian home cooking for generations, reflecting the Iranian tradition of transforming everyday ingredients into deeply satisfying meals.
Related Persian Recipes
- Adas Polo
- Tahchin
- Zereshk Polo ba Morgh
- Baghali Polo
- Persian Rice (Chelo)
Final Thoughts
Loobia Polo is a perfect introduction to Persian cuisine—simple enough for beginners yet rich in authentic flavours. The combination of aromatic basmati rice, tender green beans, seasoned meat, and saffron creates a wholesome dish that captures the warmth of Iranian home cooking. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or exploring Persian recipes for the first time, Loobia Polo is sure to become a favourite.
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Recipe Disclaimer
This recipe is intended as a traditional guide based on authentic Persian cooking methods. Ingredient availability, equipment, and cooking times may vary. Adjust seasonings and techniques to suit your preferences while always following safe food handling practices.
