Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (such as Basmati or Jasmine)
- 3 cups hot vegetable broth (or beef broth, ensure it's halal)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for depth)
- Fresh chives or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until deeply golden brown and caramelized. This step is crucial for flavor development; be patient and allow them to sweeten.
- Add the minced garlic and fresh thyme to the pot with the caramelized onions. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the rice, ensuring each grain is coated in the buttery onion mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the rice becomes slightly translucent at the edges.
- Pour in the hot vegetable broth. Add the salt, black pepper, and bay leaf. If using, stir in the balsamic vinegar for an extra layer of complexity.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly with a lid, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender. Do not lift the lid during this time.
- Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and become perfectly fluffy.
- Remove the bay leaf. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the rice and fluff gently with a fork, incorporating the butter. Garnish generously with fresh chopped chives or parsley before serving.
Notes
For even deeper flavor, use homemade beef broth (ensuring it’s halal) instead of vegetable broth. If your onions aren’t caramelizing properly, increase the heat slightly, but watch carefully to prevent burning. This rice is fantastic served with roasted chicken, seared steak, or as a standalone comfort dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop Simmering
- Cuisine: French-inspired Comfort
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg