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French Onion Rice Recipe

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4.3 from 9 reviews

This French Onion Rice is a rich and comforting side dish featuring caramelized onions, creamy cheese, and fragrant basmati rice. It pairs beautifully with a variety of proteins or can be enjoyed as a satisfying one-pot meal. The slow-cooked onions add a deep, sweet flavor complemented by the savory sharp cheddar and a hint of white wine.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 3-4 portions

Ingredients

Rice and Stock

  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 2 cups vegetable stock

Onions and Flavorings

  • 1 white onion
  • 30g butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 40ml white wine

Dairy and Garnish

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

Instructions

  1. Caramelize Onions: Thinly slice the white onion. Heat the butter in a pan over low heat and add the onions. Cook the onions slowly for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning, until they are golden, soft, and caramelized.
  2. Cook Rice: While the onions are caramelizing, cook the basmati rice according to the package instructions, using vegetable stock instead of water to infuse flavor.
  3. Add Garlic and Deglaze: Add the minced garlic to the caramelized onions and cook for an additional minute. Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, stirring to loosen the flavorful bits. Cook until the wine has mostly evaporated, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  4. Mix Rice and Seasonings: Add the cooked rice to the pan with the onions. Stir in the thyme, salt, pepper, sharp cheddar cheese, and double cream. Mix thoroughly so that the rice is well coated and combined with the creamy onion mixture.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the fresh parsley over the top of the rice. Serve warm as a side dish or a comforting main.

Notes

  • Use low and slow heat for caramelizing onions to develop the richest flavor without burning.
  • Substitute vegetable stock with chicken stock for a non-vegetarian version.
  • Sharp cheddar cheese can be replaced with Gruyère for a nuttier flavor.
  • Make sure to stir frequently during onion caramelization to avoid scorching.
  • This dish pairs well with roasted meats or grilled vegetables.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: French-inspired
  • Diet: Vegetarian