Heavenly French Onion Butter Rice Recipe
Heavenly French Onion Butter Rice is a flavorful, aromatic dish featuring caramelized onions, fragrant thyme, and rich butter-infused basmati rice. Perfect as a comforting side or a savory addition to any meal, this recipe combines the sweetness of slowly sautéed onions with the warmth of herbaceous broth, resulting in a dish that’s both simple and elegant.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Rice and Broth
- 1 cup long-grain rice (basmati preferred)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Butter and Aromatics
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 medium yellow onions, sliced
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté them slowly for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and are beautifully caramelized, bringing out their natural sweetness.
- Toast the Rice: Add the rice directly to the skillet with the caramelized onions and toast it for 2-3 minutes. Stir frequently until the rice releases a fragrant, nutty aroma, ensuring each grain is coated with butter and onion flavor.
- Add Broth and Thyme: Pour in the vegetable broth and sprinkle in the fresh thyme leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and allow the rice to simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed by the rice.
- Rest and Finish with Butter: Remove the skillet from heat but keep it covered. Let it rest for an additional 5 minutes to allow the rice to steam and fully cook through. Then, stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter until it melts in, enriching the texture and flavor.
- Fluff and Season: Use a fork to fluff the rice gently, separating the grains and mixing in the caramelized onions evenly. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and serve the rice hot alongside your favorite main dish.
Notes
- For best results, use long-grain basmati rice to achieve fluffy, separate grains.
- Caramelizing the onions low and slow develops a deep, sweet flavor that defines this dish.
- Vegetable broth can be substituted with chicken broth for extra richness if not vegetarian.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or as a flavorful base for stir-fries.
- Leftover rice keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheats nicely with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture.
Keywords: French onion rice, caramelized onion rice, butter rice, basmati rice recipe, vegetarian side dish, savory rice
