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French Onion Rice Recipe

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4.2 from 5 reviews

  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 60 minutes
  • Yield: 3–4 portions
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This French Onion Rice is a flavorful, comforting side dish that combines sweet caramelized onions with creamy cheddar and fragrant thyme. Made with basmati rice cooked in vegetable stock and enriched with double cream, this recipe offers a delightful twist on classic French onion flavors, perfect for serving alongside your favorite protein or as a satisfying one-pot meal.

Ingredients

Rice and Stock

  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 2 cups vegetable stock (plus a splash for deglazing)

Onion Mixture

  • 1 white onion
  • 30g butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper

Dairy and Garnish

  • 50g sharp cheddar cheese
  • 50ml double cream
  • 10g fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Thinly slice the white onion. Heat the butter in a pan over low heat, add the onions, and cook gently for 30 to 40 minutes until they become golden, soft, and deeply caramelized, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  2. Cook the Rice: While the onions are caramelizing, cook the basmati rice according to the package instructions, substituting water with vegetable stock for enhanced flavor.
  3. Sauté Garlic and Deglaze: Add the minced garlic to the caramelized onions and cook for an additional minute. Pour a small splash of vegetable stock into the pan to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom, then let it cook down for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture becomes glossy.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked basmati rice, thyme, salt, pepper, sharp cheddar cheese, and double cream into the pan with the onion mixture. Stir thoroughly until everything is evenly combined and heated through.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Finish by sprinkling fresh parsley on top and serve the French Onion Rice warm as a savory side dish or standalone meal.

Notes

  • Cooking onions low and slow is key to developing their natural sweetness and deep flavor.
  • Using vegetable stock instead of water to cook the rice adds extra depth of flavor.
  • Sharp cheddar cheese gives a nice tangy contrast to the sweet onions, but you can substitute with Gruyère or Swiss cheese for a different twist.
  • This dish pairs especially well with roasted or grilled meats and can be made vegetarian by using vegetable stock.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and gently reheated with a splash of stock or cream to retain moisture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: French-inspired

Find it online: https://myeasyplate.com/french-onion-rice-recipe/