Description
This French Onion Soup Rice is a comforting and savory side dish that combines deeply caramelized onions, fragrant herbs, and tender rice cooked in rich broth, topped with melted Gruyère and Parmesan cheese. Inspired by classic French onion soup flavors, this dish offers a cheesy, hearty alternative that’s perfect alongside meats or vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
- ½ cup grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Heat the butter and olive oil together in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring frequently, for 20 to 25 minutes until the onions turn a deep golden brown and caramelize.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic, sugar, fresh thyme leaves (or dried), salt, and black pepper. Cook this mixture for an additional 1 minute to release their aromas without burning the garlic.
- Incorporate the Rice: Add the long-grain white rice to the onion mixture and stir well to coat the grains evenly with the flavorful caramelized onions and seasonings.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the beef or vegetable broth and bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid has been fully absorbed.
- Finish with Cheese: Remove the pan from heat and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Sprinkle the grated Gruyère (or Swiss cheese) and Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover again and let sit for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheeses melt through the warm rice.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve the dish warm as a savory and cheesy side.
Notes
- For extra depth of flavor and richness, add a splash of dry white wine after the onions have caramelized and before adding garlic.
- To achieve a crispy cheese crust, after adding cheese, transfer the rice to an oven-safe skillet and bake under the broiler for a few minutes until bubbly and golden.
- This dish can be made vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
