Creamy French Onion Butter Rice That Will Warm Your Soul Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy French Onion Butter Rice is a comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of caramelized onions, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a side or a light main, it’s easy to make and sure to warm your soul on chilly days.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Arborio rice, rinsed before cooking
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat until foamy, about 1 minute.
2. Step 2: Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply caramelized.
3. Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add the rinsed Arborio rice to the skillet and stir well to coat the grains in the buttery onion mixture.
5. Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth, increase heat to bring it to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the skillet.
6. Step 6: Simmer the rice for 15-20 minutes until tender and the liquid is absorbed.
7. Step 7: Fold in the chopped fresh thyme and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until everything is well combined.
8. Step 8: Adjust the consistency by adding more broth if needed, then serve the rice warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
• For extra depth, add a splash of white wine when cooking the onions.
• Swap Parmesan with Gruyère or Pecorino Romano for a different cheesy twist.
• Garnish with fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley for a fresh finish.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth to loosen the rice and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice?

Arborio rice is recommended because it releases starch that creates a creamy texture. Using long-grain rice may result in a less creamy dish.

Is it important to caramelize the onions for this recipe?

Yes, slow caramelization develops the sweet, rich flavor critical to this dish’s signature taste.

Creamy French Onion Butter Rice That Will Warm Your Soul Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 67 reviews

This Creamy French Onion Butter Rice is a comforting side dish featuring caramelized onions, aromatic thyme, and rich Parmesan cheese. Perfectly cooked Arborio rice is simmered in flavorful low-sodium chicken broth and finished with buttery goodness to warm your soul and elevate any meal.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: French-inspired

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Rice

• 1 cup Arborio Rice, rinsed before cooking
• 4 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth

For the Aromatics

• 2 large Yellow Onions, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons Fresh Thyme, finely chopped

For the Creaminess

• 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
• ½ cup Parmesan Cheese, grated

Instructions

1. Melt the Butter: Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat until foamy, about 1 minute.
2. Caramelize the Onions: Add the thinly sliced yellow onions and a pinch of salt to the skillet. Sauté for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply caramelized and sweet.
3. Sauté the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
4. Toast the Rice: Add the rinsed Arborio rice to the skillet, stirring to coat all grains evenly in the buttery onion mixture.
5. Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
6. Finish with Thyme and Parmesan: Remove the skillet from heat. Fold in the finely chopped fresh thyme and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully combined and creamy.
7. Adjust and Serve: If the rice is too thick, loosen with a splash of additional broth. Serve the creamy French onion butter rice warm as a soul-warming side dish.

Notes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently with a splash of broth to restore creaminess and prevent drying out.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and enhance natural flavors.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.

Keywords: French onion rice, creamy rice, butter rice, caramelized onions, side dish, comfort food