Hey food lovers, my onion soup rice is here. Very easy to make and tastes so good. The whole process is simple. It is French cuisine.
In summer, I was trying desserts and sweets and now that summer is about to end, I decided to try something different. And this recipe wasn’t only different but yummy too. So I must recommend trying this and sharing your reviews with me in the comment section and also on Pinterest or on Instagram.
Okay, without wasting time, take a look at the ingredients and the whole process of how to make French onion soup rice.
Ingredients
- Long-Grain Rice: Long-grain rice is ideal because it doesn’t clump together and absorbs the flavors of the broth beautifully.
- Beef Broth: Opt for low-sodium beef broth to control the salt level.
- French Onion Soup: Adds the signature caramelized onion flavor that makes this dish resemble the classic French onion soup. You can use canned soup or homemade French onion soup.
- Butter (Cold): Used for caramelizing the onions and coating the rice. Cold butter helps regulate the temperature during the initial cooking process, ensuring a smooth caramelization.
- Fresh Parsley
- Optional Toppings:
- Shredded Gruyère or Swiss Cheese: Melts into the rice, adding a creamy and slightly nutty flavor. It mimics the melted cheese topping of traditional French onion soup.
Croutons: For a crunchy texture, reminiscent of the toasted bread layer in classic French onion soup.
How To Make Rice and French Onion Soup Recipe
1. Caramelize the Onions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the cold butter. Once the butter has melted, add the sliced onions.
- Cook the onions for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. They should soften and develop a rich, golden-brown color.
- Why it’s important: Caramelizing the onions slowly draws out their natural sweetness, creating the signature flavor of French onion soup.
2. Toast the Rice
- Add the uncooked long-grain rice to the skillet with the caramelized onions. Stir the rice into the buttery onions, ensuring every grain is coated.
- Why it’s important: Toasting the rice enhances its nutty flavor and helps it better absorb the broth.
3. Add the Liquids
- Pour in the beef broth and French onion soup. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid to trap the steam.
- Why it’s important: Boiling ensures even cooking, while simmering gently prevents the rice from becoming mushy.
4. Cook the Rice
- Allow the mixture to simmer for 18-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the rice doesn’t stick to the bottom of the skillet.
- The rice will absorb the liquid, taking on the flavors of the caramelized onions, beef broth, and French onion soup.
5. Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the finished rice into bowls. Top with shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese, allowing it to melt slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley for brightness.
- For added texture, sprinkle croutons on top before serving. The croutons provide a satisfying crunch and mimic the bread layer in French onion soup.
How To Store
Any remaining portions of this dish can be sealed in an airtight container and kept in the fridge for 2-3 days. Over time, the flavors will develop further through storage, making for an even tastier meal when enjoyed again later. The onion soup rice recipe actually improves with age, so be sure to enjoy some leftovers if possible. Proper refrigeration helps keep it fresh until your next serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Rice and French Onion Soup
- Choose the Right Onions:
- Use yellow onions for a balance of sweetness and savory flavor. Sweet onions (like Vidalia) can also work if you prefer a milder taste.
- Low and Slow for Caramelizing:
- Don’t rush the caramelization process. Cooking the onions over medium heat ensures they develop deep flavor without burning.
- Use High-Quality Broth:
- The broth is a key component of the flavor. Choose a rich, flavorful beef broth (preferably low-sodium) or make your own.
- Rice Cooking Consistency:
- Check the rice as it cooks. If the liquid absorbs too quickly and the rice isn’t fully tender, add a small amount of hot broth or water and continue cooking.
- Add Extra Veggies:
- For a nutritional boost, stir in chopped spinach, kale, or zucchini during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Customize Toppings:
- For a more indulgent dish, broil the rice with the cheese topping for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and golden. This adds a layer of texture and flavor.
- Control Salt:
- Since both French onion soup and beef broth can be salty, taste the dish before adding additional salt.
Final Thoughts
It’s a one-pot wonder that’s simple to make, versatile, and great for leftovers. Add cheese and croutons for an elevated presentation, or customize it with your favorite veggies for a nutritious twist!
More Soup Recipes
Rice and French Onion Soup
Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain rice uncooked
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can 10.5 oz French onion soup
- 2 tablespoons cold butter
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and develop a rich, golden color, around 15-20 minutes.
- Stir the rice into the skillet with the caramelized onions, ensuring it gets well coated in the butter and onions. Pour in the beef broth, add a pinch of salt and pepper, and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let it gently simmer for 18-20 minutes, until the rice becomes tender and soaks up all the liquid.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, top with shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese if desired, and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Add croutons for an extra crunch, reminiscent of traditional French onion soup.