French Onion Soup Rice

Ingredients for French Onion Soup Rice

• 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese (for topping)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan with a lid
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-30 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and caramelized. This step is key for developing the rich, sweet flavor that makes French onion soup so delicious.
2. Add Garlic and Deglaze: Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in the white wine (if using) and scrape the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Let the wine simmer until it’s mostly evaporated, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the Rice and Broth: Stir in the uncooked rice and thyme, allowing the rice to absorb some of the flavor from the onions for about a minute. Then, pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
4. Top with Cheese: After the rice is cooked, remove the lid and sprinkle the Gruyère or Swiss cheese over the top. Cover the skillet again for a few minutes to let the cheese melt and become gooey.
5. Garnish and Serve: Once the cheese is melted, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve the French Onion Soup Rice warm. It’s delicious on its own or paired with a simple salad or protein like roasted chicken or steak.

Notes and Tips

• Caramelizing the Onions: Be patient with the onions! Properly caramelized onions take time, but the flavor payoff is worth it. If the onions start to stick to the pan, you can add a splash of water or broth to deglaze and prevent burning.
• Cheese Options: Gruyère is the classic choice for French onion soup, but Swiss cheese, mozzarella, or even a mild cheddar will work well in this recipe.
• Broth Substitutions: Beef broth is traditional for French onion soup, but you can substitute with chicken or vegetable broth if needed. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.