Lubia Polo

This was one of my favorite rice dishes growing up, it’s such a comforting meal, easy-to-make and of course delicious! Paired with a fresh, zesty salad, it’s a meal that sings with flavors. 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Basmati Rice (washed well)
• 2 tbsp Avocado Oil (or your preferred cooking oil)
• 1 White Onion, finely chopped
• 3 Cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 pound Extra Lean Ground Beef (Lamb is great too!)
• 1 pound Green Beans, chopped
• 2.5 tbsp Tomato Paste
• 1 tbsp each of Turmeric, Paprika, Coriander
• Optional: 1/3 tsp Saffron, dissolved in hot water

Ingredients for the Salad:

• 3 Persian Cucumbers, sliced
• 1 Large Tomato or 20 Cherry Tomatoes, chopped
• 1/4 cup Red Onion, chopped
• Handful Fresh Mint, chopped
• Seasoning: 1 tbsp Sumac, Juice of 1 Lemon, Salt & Pepper

Directions:

1. Rinse rice until water runs clear. Cook with 2 cups water and 1 tsp salt. When it starts to boil, look for little holes, then strain and set aside.
2. Sauté onion and garlic in oil until golden. Add spices (except saffron), then the meat. Cook until no pink remains.
3. Mix in tomato paste, add green beans with a splash of water. Cover and simmer for 8-10 mins.
4. Combine the rice and meat mixture, add saffron. Mix well. put a cloth and a lid turn the stove to low and let it cook for 10-15min
5. For the Salad: Toss all ingredients with sumac and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.