KOMO PRODUCTS
Rice Guides & Recipes

Loobia Polo: Persian Green Bean Rice with Basmati

Loobia Polo (لوبیا پلو), also spelled Lubia Polo, brings together rice, green beans, tomato and warm spices. This Persian family favourite can be served with ground meat or prepared with mushrooms for a meat-free variation. A crisp layer of tahdig adds a satisfying finish.

Persian rice with green beans, ground meat and potato tahdig
Loobia Polo with green beans and crisp potato tahdig.

Choosing your rice

Long-grain basmati is a practical choice for layered rice dishes. The goal is tender, separate grains that hold their shape when mixed with the sauce. VATAN basmati is available from Komo Products; follow the cooking guidance for the variety you select, because aged basmati and parboiled sella rice need different cooking times.

A simple method

Prepare the rice and filling separately before combining them. This makes it easier to control moisture and avoid overcooking the grains.

  1. Rinse the rice and soak it according to its package guidance.
  2. Soften chopped onion in oil. Add ground meat if using, then turmeric, pepper and your preferred warm spices.
  3. Stir in tomato paste and cook briefly, then add chopped green beans and a little water. Simmer until the beans are tender and the filling is thick rather than watery.
  4. Boil the rice in salted water until the outside is softened but the centre still has a slight bite. Drain gently.
  5. Add oil to a heavy pot. Arrange potato slices or a thin layer of rice at the bottom for tahdig. Layer the remaining rice with the filling, handling the grains gently.
  6. Cover and steam over low heat until the rice is fully tender. Keep an eye on the heat so the base crisps without burning.
A spoon lifting Persian green bean rice from a crisp tahdig crust
Serving Loobia Polo through its crisp rice crust.

Rice tahdig or potato tahdig?

Rice tahdig forms a crisp sheet of grains at the bottom of the pot. Potato tahdig uses thin potato slices as the base. Both work well with Loobia Polo. Use an even layer and steady, gentle heat; allow the pot to rest briefly before loosening the crust.

Crisp golden-brown rice tahdig on a round plate
A golden-brown rice tahdig crust.

Serving ideas and variations

Serve with Shirazi salad, plain yogurt or pickles. For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with mushrooms and cook off their extra moisture before layering. Cooked chicken is another option. Keep the filling thick in every version to help the rice stay fluffy.

Loobia Polo served on a plate beside a pot of green bean rice
Loobia Polo served family-style.

Cooking for a restaurant or planning a family meal? Contact Komo Products to ask about VATAN basmati varieties and available bag sizes.