When it comes to comfort food that brings the whole family together, nothing quite compares to the hearty, aromatic flavors of traditional Persian rice with mince meat. This dish, known as “Lubia Polo” in Persian, is a staple in many Iranian households, and for good reason. It’s a delightful blend of fluffy basmati rice, tender minced meat, and a medley of spices that create a symphony of flavors with every bite.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the love that goes into its preparation. Passed down through generations, each family has their own twist on the classic recipe, making it a unique culinary experience every time. The rich aroma of saffron and cinnamon fills the kitchen as the dish cooks, promising a meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
What is the best rice for Persian Rice dish?
For the best Persian rice, Basmati Rice is the top choice. This long-grain rice is highly prized for its fragrant aroma, fluffy texture, and ability to absorb flavors beautifully. Here are a few reasons why basmati rice is ideal for Persian dishes:
- Aromatic Quality: Basmati rice has a distinct, pleasing aroma that enhances the overall sensory experience of the dish.
- Long, Separate Grains: When cooked properly, basmati rice grains remain long and separate, creating the perfect texture for Persian rice dishes like Lubia Polo.
- Fluffiness: Basmati rice becomes wonderfully fluffy when cooked, which is a key characteristic of Persian rice.
- Flavor Absorption: This type of rice effectively absorbs the flavors of spices and ingredients, ensuring that every bite is flavorful.
When preparing Persian rice, it’s essential to rinse the basmati rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and then soak it for at least 5 minutes before cooking. This helps achieve the desired texture and prevents the rice from becoming sticky. For an extra special touch, using high-quality aged basmati rice can elevate the dish even further, providing an unmatched aroma and texture.
Other Ingredients for Persian Rice
Mince Meat
Mince meat, typically lamb or beef, is the heart of this dish, providing a rich and savoury base. Its tender texture and ability to absorb spices make it a perfect complement to the fluffy basmati rice, creating a satisfying and hearty meal.
Saffron
Saffron is the crown jewel of Persian cooking. This prized spice imparts a beautiful golden hue and a distinctive floral aroma, elevating the dish with its luxurious and exotic flavor.
Butter
Butter adds a luxurious richness to Persian rice, enhancing its flavor and giving it a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth quality. A little butter goes a long way in elevating the overall taste of the dish.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is used for sautéing the ingredients and adding a subtle, fruity flavor. It also helps in achieving the perfect texture for the rice and meat mixture, making each bite deliciously smooth.
Onion
Onions are essential for building the dish’s flavor base. When sautéed until golden, they add a sweet and savory depth that complements the spices and enhances the overall taste of the rice and meat.
Garlic
Garlic brings a robust and aromatic element to the dish. Its distinctive flavor pairs wonderfully with the other spices, adding complexity and a touch of warmth to the overall profile.
Green Beans
Green beans introduce a fresh, crisp texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. They add a lovely contrast to the rich mince meat and spices, making the dish more balanced and nutritious.
Turmeric Powder
Turmeric powder infuses the dish with a vibrant golden color and a subtle earthy flavor. Known for its health benefits, turmeric also adds a warm and slightly peppery note that enhances the overall spice blend.
Allspice
Allspice brings a unique combination of flavors reminiscent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. It adds a sweet and aromatic depth to the dish, enriching the flavor profile with its warm, spicy notes.
Cumin Powder
Cumin powder offers a nutty, peppery flavor that is essential for authentic Persian cuisine. Its earthy undertones blend beautifully with the other spices, adding complexity and richness to the dish.
Black Pepper
Black pepper provides a mild heat and a sharp, pungent flavor. It enhances the overall taste by adding a subtle kick that balances the sweetness of the other ingredients.
Tomato Puree
Tomato puree adds a tangy and slightly sweet element to the dish. It helps in creating a rich, flavorful base for the mince meat, ensuring every bite is juicy and packed with flavor.
Salt
Salt is a fundamental ingredient that brings out the natural flavors of all the components in the dish. It enhances the taste and ensures that the spices and other ingredients shine through in every bite.
How to cook Persian Rice with Mince Meat Step bt Step Guide…
First, pour the rice into a bowl and give it a good wash until the water runs clear. Then, let it soak for about 5 minutes to get ready for cooking.
Heat up a pan and add a splash of olive oil and a pat of butter. Once they’re nice and hot, toss in the onions and sauté them until they’re golden and fragrant. Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt and give it all a good stir!
Now, add the garlic to the pan and sauté it until it becomes fragrant, releasing its delicious aroma.
Next, add the mince meat ( I’m using beef for this recipe ) and mix it with the sautéed onions. Sprinkle in some salt and cook for about 10 minutes until the meat is browned. Then, stir in the green beans, turmeric powder, allspice, cumin powder, black pepper, and tomato puree. Mix everything together and cook until the meat is fully done. Finally, add the saffron, give it a good stir, and set the mixture aside.
Now it’s time to cook the rice. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the rice. Once it’s about 90% cooked, drain the water and set the rice aside.
Using the same pot, heat it over low flame and add a bit of olive oil. Start by adding a layer of rice, then a layer of the mince meat mixture. Continue layering rice and meat until you’ve used it all up. Finally, dot the top with some butter. Cover the pot with a cloth, then place the lid on top. Let it cook for about 10 more minutes to let all the flavours meld together.
Finally, turn off the cooker and gently mix the rice and mince meat together, ensuring that the flavors are evenly distributed. Your mouthwatering Persian rice is now ready to be served! Plate it up and savor every aromatic bite. Enjoy!
Persian Rice With Mince Meat (Beef)
Ingredients
- 3 cups Basmati Rice
- 500 g Minced Meat Beef
- 4 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 2 medium Onion
- 5-6 cloves Garlic
- 250 g Green Beans
- ½ tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1 tsp Allspice Powder
- ½ tsp Cumin Powder
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 2 tsp Tomato Puree
- ½ tsp Saffron
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Begin by pouring the rice into a bowl and rinsing it thoroughly until the water runs clear. After washing, let the rice soak for approximately 5 minutes to prepare it for cooking.
- Heat a pan over medium heat, then add a splash of olive oil and a pat of butter. Once they’re sizzling, add the onions and sauté until they turn golden and fragrant. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and give everything a good stir!
- Next, add the garlic to the pan and sauté until it becomes fragrant, releasing its delightful aroma.
- Next, add the minced meat (I'm using beef for this recipe) to the pan, mixing it with the sautéed onions. Sprinkle in some salt and cook for about 10 minutes until the meat is browned.
- Then, stir in the green beans, turmeric powder, allspice, cumin powder, black pepper, and tomato puree. Combine everything thoroughly and continue cooking until the meat is fully done. Finally, add the saffron, give it a good stir, and set the mixture aside.
- Now it’s time to cook the rice. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the rice. Cook until the rice is about 90% done, then drain the water and set the rice aside.
- Using the same pot, heat it over a low flame and add a bit of olive oil. Begin by adding a layer of rice, followed by a layer of the minced meat mixture. Continue layering rice and meat until everything is used up.
- Dot the top with some butter. Cover the pot with a cloth, then place the lid on top. Let it cook for about 10 more minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.
- Finally, turn off the heat and gently mix the rice and minced meat together, ensuring the flavors are evenly distributed. Your mouthwatering Persian rice is now ready to be served! Plate it up and savor every aromatic bite. Enjoy!
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