Description
This comforting French Onion Rice recipe combines the rich, caramelized flavors of onions with fragrant basmati rice, chicken broth, and a blend of Parmesan and Gruyere cheeses. Perfect as a hearty side dish or a light main, it is easy to prepare and bursts with savory goodness in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
Rice and Broth
- 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed
- 3 cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: Heat the butter and olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn translucent, about 3 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma.
- Cook Rice: While the onions are cooking, place the rinsed basmati rice, chicken broth, and sea salt in a medium-sized pot over high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the rice cook undisturbed for 12 minutes. Once done, remove the pot from the heat, keep it covered, and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the rice to finish steaming.
- Mix in Onions and Cheese: Set aside a scoop of caramelized onions to garnish later. Stir the remaining caramelized onions into the cooked rice thoroughly. Add the grated Parmesan and Gruyere cheeses, then stir again until the cheeses are melted and evenly distributed throughout the rice.
- Serve: Spoon the cheesy, onion-infused rice into serving dishes and top each with the reserved caramelized onions. Serve warm as a savory side or a delicious main dish.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Ensure the rice is rinsed well to remove excess starch for fluffier texture.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pan for evenly caramelizing onions without burning.
- Gruyere cheese adds a creamy nutty flavor; if unavailable, Swiss or Emmental cheese can be used as alternatives.
