Lubia Polo

A group of friends was coming over tonight for our weekly dinner followed by Bible study, and I signed up to make a "mystery main dish" (so named because I couldn't decide what I wanted to make!)

I stumbled upon a pound of ground beef in the freezer from my dad/brother's farm. I don't often cook meat for myself, so I decided to make it to share. I also had a decent amount of frozen green beans from last summer, and I had just bought a bag of brown Jasmine rice from the middle eastern grocer down the street.

So, per usual, I just googled: "ground beef green beans rice recipe".

And I think I stumbled upon a future staple for a filling weeknight dinner. Not to mention that it's a bit exotic.

Here's to my first attempt at Persian cuisine.

Please meet:

Lubia Polo

Not the most visual appeal, but the flavor is exemplary. The group I was cooking for has quite varied palates, so I was pleased with the unanimous positive feedback.

The following is the recipe as I made it:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1-2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 tablespoon turmeric
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 cups green beans, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 3 cups uncooked brown jasmine rice, rinsed and drained
• 3 tablespoons oil
• 
  
• 1. In a large pot over high heat, brown the ground beef and onion. Season with pepper flakes and curry powder. Stir in chicken broth and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil, and stir in green beans. Cook for 5 minutes for frozen beens or 15 minutes for fresh beans, until they are tender.
• 2. Stir in rice, and cover pot. Reduce heat to medium, and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until much of the liquid is absorbed.
• 3. Remove entire contents to another container, and return pot to the stove.
• 4. Heat oil in the bottom of pot over medium heat.
• 5. Dump rice mixture back into pot.
• 6. Wrap a clean dish towel around the inside of the pot's lid (the ends of the dish towel will be folded over the edges on top of the lid,) and put the lid on the pot.
• 7. Cook for 1 hour on low, without uncovering or stirring.
• 8. Remove lid and place a large plate on top of the pot, then carefully flip it over.
• 9. The rice should hold the shape of pot with a nice crust on top called 'tah digh.'

Suggested modifications for future attempt:

• Double the amount of green beans.
• Either use a non-stick pot, or skip the step of removing the rice mixture and returning to the pot with oil on the bottom. Mine semi-held its shape, but in an attempt to improve the nutritional profile of the recipe, I think skipping the extra oil would be just as good, not to mention save 2 extra dishes if you just serve it right out of the pot!

Themes

Often, I choose verse or song or phrase to focus on during various seasons of life: a trip abroad, a year, or some other such experience.

For 2012, the phrase I chose comes from Hebrews 12:2, "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus..."

My eyes. These little orbs from which I gain sensory insight into the world around me.

Fixed. Unwavering, steady.

On Jesus. The only one who can save.

A simple phrase, and perhaps a seemingly simple task. But in all reality, it's difficult.

There have been multiple times over the past month where this theme was reinforced, through a sermon at church, a card from a friend, or simply in my own reading.

And, as I was flipping through one of my old journals, I came across these lyrics:

"Before the throne of God above,

I have a strong and perfect plea,

A great high priest whose name is love,

Who ever lives and pleads for me.

My name is graven on His hands

My name is written on His heart

I know that while in heaven He stands

No tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair,

And tells me of the guilt within,

Upward I look and see Him there,

Who made an end to all my sin.

Because my sinless Savior died

My sinful soul is counted free

For God the just is satisfied,

To look on Him and pardon me.

Behold Him there the risen Lamb

My perfect spotless righteousness

The great unchangeable I Am,

The King of Glory and of grace.

One with himself I cannot die

My soul is purchased by His blood

My soul is hid with Christ on high

With Christ my Savior and my God."

~Charitie L. Bancroft, 1863.

Such powerful words. I hope that you are encouraged as you consider the incredible reality of a God who has taken our sins on himself.