Welcome, food lovers! Today, I’m thrilled to share a delightful recipe that will surely elevate your dining experience—French Onion Rice. If you’re a fan of rich, savory flavors and the comforting taste of caramelized onions, this French Onion Rice recipe is a must-try! It’s simple to make, and it brings the essence of your favorite French onion soup right into your kitchen as a satisfying side dish. Let’s dive into the world of hearty, delicious comfort food!
Introduction
French Onion Rice is the perfect fusion of American cuisine and the iconic French onion soup. Known for its savory, deep flavors, this dish captures the essence of caramelized onions and hearty beef consommé, creating an irresistible rice dish that’s great for any meal. Whether you’re serving it as a side with a steak dinner or pairing it with a simple salad, this dish is both versatile and indulgent. It’s also incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Are you ready to discover how to make this comforting French Onion Rice recipe at home? Let’s get started!
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this delicious French Onion Rice:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can beef consommé
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can French onion soup
- 1 ½ cups water
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Substitutions:
- To make this recipe gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free beef consommé and French onion soup.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for the beef consommé.
How to Make French Onion Rice – Step by Step
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Begin by heating the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sprinkle in the sugar. Cook the onions, stirring frequently, for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until they are very soft and caramelized. The sugar helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the onions, which is key to achieving that classic French onion flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Rice Mixture
While the onions are caramelizing, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add the long-grain white rice, beef consommé, French onion soup, water, dried thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the baking dish. Stir the mixture until all the ingredients are well combined.
Step 3: Combine and Bake
Once the onions are fully caramelized, spread them evenly over the top of the rice mixture in the baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C). Bake for 30 minutes.
Step 4: Stir and Finish Baking
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and stir the rice to distribute the flavors. Return the dish to the oven and bake, uncovered, for an additional 30 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Let the rice stand for 5 minutes before fluffing it with a fork. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired, and enjoy your delicious, savory French Onion Rice!
Helpful Tips
- Use Long-Grain Rice: This type of rice absorbs the broth and onion flavors best without becoming too sticky.
- Caramelizing the Onions: Patience is key! Don’t rush this step; the onions should be a rich golden brown to ensure the depth of flavor.
- Add Cheese: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle some Gruyère or mozzarella on top of the rice during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the rice mixture and onions ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and combine them just before baking.
Cooking Tips
To get the most out of your French Onion Rice, try these cooking techniques:
- Best French Onion Rice Cooking Techniques: Always use a heavy-bottomed skillet to caramelize the onions. This ensures even cooking and prevents burning.
- Rice Texture Tips: If you prefer your rice to be a little more firm, reduce the baking time by 5-10 minutes. For a softer, more tender texture, you can add a bit more water to the mixture before baking.
Serving Suggestions
French Onion Rice pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes and sides:
- Serve with Roast Chicken: The savory flavors of the rice complement the richness of a roasted or grilled chicken perfectly.
- Pair with a Crisp Salad: Balance the heartiness of the rice with a light, fresh salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette.
- Enjoy with Red Wine: A glass of full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon makes an excellent pairing with this dish.
Nutritional Information
This recipe is not just flavorful but also comes with a decent nutritional profile. It’s a comforting side dish that’s sure to please!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 135 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Sugar: 2g
Storage and Leftovers
French Onion Rice can be stored and reheated easily for another meal:
- Storing Leftovers: Place any leftover rice in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating Tips: To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the rice and microwave until warm, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Freeze for Later: You can freeze the rice in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice, but keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be extended as brown rice takes longer to cook. - Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute vegetable broth for the beef consommé and French onion soup to create a vegetarian-friendly version. - Can I add cheese to French Onion Rice?
Yes, adding cheese like Gruyère or mozzarella on top during the last 10 minutes of baking will give the rice a creamy, cheesy layer. - How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free versions of beef consommé and French onion soup to make the dish gluten-free.
Related Recipes
- Ultimate Cowboy Casserole with Cornbread
: Another hearty dish that pairs well with French Onion Rice for a satisfying meal.
- Sausage Balls Recipe with Red Lobster Mix
: Perfect appetizer to serve alongside your rice dish.
Conclusion
There you have it—a simple yet flavorful French Onion Rice recipe that brings the comforting taste of French onion soup to your table. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or serving it at a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Don’t forget to try it with a sprinkle of cheese for added indulgence!
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear your feedback! What variations did you try, or how did you make it your own? Let me know in the comments below. Enjoy!
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French Onion Rice Recipe – Easy & Savory Side Dish
Description
Welcome, food lovers! Today, I’m thrilled to share a delightful recipe that will surely elevate your dining experience—French Onion Rice. If you’re a fan of rich, savory flavors and the comforting taste of caramelized onions, this French Onion Rice recipe is a must-try! It’s simple to make, and it brings the essence of your favorite French onion soup right into your kitchen as a satisfying side dish. Let’s dive into the world of hearty, delicious comfort food!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can beef consommé
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can French onion soup
- 1 ½ cups water
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Substitutions:
- To make this recipe gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free beef consommé and French onion soup.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for the beef consommé.
Instructions
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Begin by heating the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sprinkle in the sugar. Cook the onions, stirring frequently, for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until they are very soft and caramelized. The sugar helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the onions, which is key to achieving that classic French onion flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Rice Mixture
While the onions are caramelizing, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add the long-grain white rice, beef consommé, French onion soup, water, dried thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the baking dish. Stir the mixture until all the ingredients are well combined.
Step 3: Combine and Bake
Once the onions are fully caramelized, spread them evenly over the top of the rice mixture in the baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C). Bake for 30 minutes.
Step 4: Stir and Finish Baking
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and stir the rice to distribute the flavors. Return the dish to the oven and bake, uncovered, for an additional 30 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Let the rice stand for 5 minutes before fluffing it with a fork. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired, and enjoy your delicious, savory French Onion Rice!
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Use Long-Grain Rice: This type of rice absorbs the broth and onion flavors best without becoming too sticky.
- Caramelizing the Onions: Patience is key! Don’t rush this step; the onions should be a rich golden brown to ensure the depth of flavor.
- Add Cheese: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle some Gruyère or mozzarella on top of the rice during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the rice mixture and onions ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and combine them just before baking.
