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Brown Basmati Rice Pilaf with Spiced Beef and Green Beans

Brown Basmati Rice Pilaf with Spiced Beef and Green Beans

By Courtney HillApril 7, 2020

  • Makes
    4 servings
  • Cook Time
    1 hour 10 minute
  • Active time plus cooling
    25 minutes active
  • Rating

The Persian dish known as loobia polow, or green beans and rice, served as the inspiration for this recipe. White basmati rice would be the classic choice, but we opted for brown basmati. The grains hold up well to pressure cooking and their nutty flavor pairs well with the earthy spices and the sweetness from the golden raisins. This is a one-pot meal, though a salad of tomatoes and cucumbers with a simple lemon and olive oil vinaigrette would be a nice accompaniment, as would plain yogurt for dolloping on the pilaf.

Tip

Don't use extra-lean ground beef. The small amount of fat from 85 percent lean ground beef adds richness to the dish and also carries flavor so the spicy, sweet and herbal notes taste fuller and more complex.

Ingredients
  • 8

    ounces 85 percent lean ground beef

  • 2

    tablespoons tomato paste

  • 1¾

    teaspoons ground cinnamon

  • 1¾

    teaspoons ground turmeric

  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper

  • 2

    tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

  • 8

    ounces green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

  • 1½

    cups brown basmati rice, rinsed and drained

  • ¼

    cup golden raisins

  • 1

    cup chopped fresh cilantro

Step 1

In a medium bowl, mix together the beef, tomato paste, cinnamon, turmeric, 1¾ teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon pepper; set aside.

On a 6-quart Instant Pot, select Normal/Medium Sauté. Add 1 tablespoon of the oil and the green beans, then cook, stirring occasionally, until browned in spots, 8 to 9 minutes.

Transfer to a plate and set aside. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and the beef mixture. Cook, stirring to break up the meat into small pieces, until the beef is no longer pink, 2 to 4 minutes.

Press Cancel, then stir in the rice and half the raisins. Pour in 1½ cups water and distribute the rice-beef mixture in an even layer.

Step 2

Lock the lid in place and move the pressure valve to Sealing. Select Pressure Cook or Manual; make sure the pressure level is set to High.

Set the cooking time for 22 minutes. When pressure cooking is complete, quick-release the steam by moving the pressure valve to Venting. Press Cancel, then carefully open the pot.

Step 3

Scatter the green beans and remaining raisins over the surface of the rice mixture. Drape a kitchen towel across the pot and re-cover without locking the lid in place.

Let stand for 10 minutes. Fluff the pilaf, stirring in the beans and raisins, then stir in the cilantro. Taste and season with salt and pepper.