Description
A delicious and easy recipe that transforms Arborio rice with slow-caramelized onions, butter, and Parmesan for a creamy, flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- 4 cups hot chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Optional: Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add onions, salt, pepper, and sugar. Cook on low heat for 45–60 minutes until deeply golden brown, stirring occasionally.
- In the same skillet, add Arborio rice. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 2–3 minutes until lightly toasted.
- Pour in white wine and stir until absorbed, about 1–2 minutes.
- Add hot chicken broth gradually, one cup at a time, stirring until each addition is absorbed, about 20–25 minutes.
- Once the rice is slightly al dente, gently fold in the caramelized onions.
- Stir in cold, cubed butter and grated Parmesan until melted and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately, garnished with parsley and extra Parmesan, if desired.
Notes
This dish can be made ahead by caramelizing the onions a day prior. Store in an airtight container and refrigerate. Reheat gently with broth for creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: French onion, butter rice, side dish, creamy, vegetarian