Lubia Polo

Ingredients

• Basmati rice (2 cups)
• Ground beef (1 pound)
• Green beans (1 cup, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
• Onion (1 medium, finely chopped)
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
• Tomato paste (2 tablespoons)
• Cinnamon (1 teaspoon)
• Cumin (1 teaspoon)
• Turmeric (1/2 teaspoon)
• Salt (1 teaspoon, or to taste)
• Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon, or to taste)
• Vegetable oil (3 tablespoons)
• Saffron (1/4 teaspoon)
• Water (4 cups)
• Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped (for garnish))
• Dried cranberries (1/4 cup (for garnish))
• Slivered almonds (1/4 cup, toasted (for garnish))

Instructions

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in cold water for 30 minutes, then drain.
2. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is golden brown and aromatic.
3. Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Ensure it is cooked through.
4. Stir in the tomato paste, turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, until the spices are fragrant and well combined.
5. Add the green beans to the pot and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
6. Add the drained rice to the pot and stir well to combine it with the meat and green beans, ensuring the rice is coated with the spices.
7. Pour in the water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
8. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
9. To prepare the saffron water, steep the saffron in 2 tablespoons of warm water for a few minutes, then drizzle it over the rice and gently fluff it with a fork to distribute the saffron evenly.
10. Transfer the Lubia Polo to a serving dish and garnish with toasted slivered almonds, dried cranberries, and chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
11. Serve hot and enjoy this aromatic and flavorful dish!