Elegant Vegetarian Loobia Polo (Persian Green Bean Rice) – Quick, Budget-Friendly Dinner Recipe

According to the SaedNews Family Magazine service, bean pilaf (loobia polo) without meat is one of the delicious and authentic Iranian dishes. It is very popular and can be prepared in various ways using different ingredients. This tasty meal is widely loved and can be prepared quickly and easily.

Ingredients for meatless bean pilaf

• Rice: 4 cups

• Green beans: 4 cups

• Carrots (medium): 2

• Onion (chopped): 2

• Garlic: 2 large cloves

• Turmeric and cinnamon: 1 teaspoon

• Tomato paste: 4 tablespoons

• Saffron: as needed

• Vegetable oil: as needed

• Salt and pepper: as needed

Instructions for preparing meatless bean pilaf

First, grate the onions and sauté them in a pan with a little oil until golden.

Add the chopped green beans and sauté for a few minutes to remove their raw taste.

Next, add the spices and dissolved saffron, and sauté everything together for about 8 to 10 minutes.

Then add the pureed tomatoes to the pan and let the mixture come to a gentle boil.

Cover the pan and let it cook on low heat for about 2 hours. In the last 15 minutes of cooking, add the tomato paste and a little more saffron to make the sauce more colorful and flavorful.

Wash the rice thoroughly and soak it in salted water for 2 hours. When cooking, boil the rice in water for about 5 minutes, then drain it.

For the final step, place your desired tahdig (crispy bottom layer) in the pot, then layer the rice and bean mixture alternately.

Finally, after all the rice and sauce have been added, place a little butter on top and let it steam for about 1 hour.

After about 1 hour (or even less), your dish is ready to be served and enjoyed.