Buttery Onion Rice Side: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Introduction

Buttery Onion Rice is a comforting and flavorful side dish that elevates simple ingredients into something special. Caramelized onions add a rich sweetness that pairs perfectly with tender, fluffy rice. It’s an easy recipe that complements a variety of meals.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups long-grain rice, rinsed
• 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for extra richness)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-low heat. If using olive oil, add it along with the butter.
2. Step 2: Add the thinly sliced onions to the melted butter, coating them well.
3. Step 3: Cook the onions over very low heat, stirring occasionally, for 30-45 minutes until they become deep golden brown and very soft. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
4. Step 4: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir well to coat it in the buttery onion mixture.
6. Step 6: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Add salt, pepper, and the bay leaf, then stir to combine.
7. Step 7: Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil.
8. Step 8: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid absorbed.
9. Step 9: Check the rice after 18 minutes; if liquid remains, continue simmering a few more minutes, checking periodically.
10. Step 10: Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for 10 minutes.
11. Step 11: Remove and discard the bay leaf.
12. Step 12: Fluff the rice gently with a fork.
13. Step 13: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the rice for a fresh garnish, if desired.
14. Step 14: Serve the Buttery Onion Rice hot as a delicious side dish.

Tips & Variations

• For deeper flavor, use homemade broth or add a splash of white wine when adding the broth.
• Use vegetable broth to keep this dish vegetarian.
• Adding the optional olive oil with butter enhances richness and prevents butter from burning.
• Stir the onions often while caramelizing to avoid burning and ensure even cooking.

Storage

Store leftover Buttery Onion Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice?

Long-grain rice works best for its fluffy texture, but you can use jasmine or basmati rice with similar results. Adjust cooking time accordingly if using other rice varieties.

What if I don’t have fresh parsley for garnish?

You can skip the parsley or substitute with fresh chives or green onions to add a fresh pop of flavor and color.

Buttery Onion Rice Side: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 118 reviews

This Buttery Onion Rice Side is the ultimate comfort food, featuring long-grain rice cooked with richly caramelized onions and garlic, infused with savory chicken or vegetable broth. Perfectly tender and flavored with buttery goodness, this dish makes a delightful accompaniment to any main course, offering a warm and flavorful experience.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups long-grain rice, rinsed
• 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for extra richness)

Instructions

1. Melt the Butter: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-low heat. If using olive oil, add it along with the butter to enhance richness.
2. Add the Onions: Add the thinly sliced onions to the melted butter, ensuring each slice is well coated with the buttery mixture.
3. Caramelize the Onions: Cook the onions over very low heat for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Continue until the onions become deeply golden brown and soft, scraping the pot’s bottom to prevent sticking and burning.
4. Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
5. Add the Rice: Add the rinsed rice to the pot, stirring to coat every grain in the buttery onion and garlic mixture thoroughly.
6. Add the Broth, Salt, Pepper, and Bay Leaf: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Season with salt, pepper, and add the bay leaf. Stir to combine fully.
7. Bring to a Boil: Increase heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
8. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and let it simmer undisturbed for 18-20 minutes until the rice absorbs all the liquid and is tender.
9. Check for Doneness: After 18 minutes, check if the rice is cooked and no liquid remains. If necessary, continue simmering for a few more minutes, checking periodically.
10. Remove from Heat and Let Rest: Take the pot off the stove and keep it covered. Let the rice rest for 10 minutes to allow steam to finish cooking the rice evenly.
11. Remove the Bay Leaf: Carefully remove and discard the bay leaf from the pot before serving.
12. Fluff the Rice: Use a fork to gently fluff the rice, separating the grains.
13. Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the rice to add a burst of color and fresh flavor.
14. Serve: Serve the buttery onion rice hot as a delectable and comforting side dish alongside your favorite meals.

Notes

• Use vegetable broth to make this dish vegetarian.
• Caramelizing onions takes time but adds deep flavor—do not rush this step by increasing heat.
• Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch for fluffier grains.
• Optional olive oil adds richness but can be omitted or substituted with additional butter.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated with a sprinkle of water to maintain moisture.

Keywords: buttery onion rice, caramelized onion rice, comforting rice side, easy side dish, stovetop rice recipe, savory rice