Onion Butter Rice
Onion Butter Rice is a flavorful and aromatic side dish featuring caramelized onions sautéed in butter, combined with fragrant long-grain rice and fresh thyme. This recipe results in a tender, buttery rice infused with sweetness from the onions and depth from the broth and herbs. Perfect as a comforting side to a variety of meals.
- Author: Nethan
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice (basmati preferred)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 medium yellow onions, sliced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the sliced yellow onions and sauté, stirring occasionally, until they become golden brown and caramelized, which should take about 15-20 minutes. This step develops the sweet and rich flavor base for the dish.
- Toast the Rice: Add the long-grain rice to the skillet with the caramelized onions. Stir and toast the rice for 2-3 minutes until it becomes fragrant, enhancing the rice’s nutty flavor.
- Cook the Rice: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the fresh thyme leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Rest and Finish: Remove the skillet from heat but keep it covered for an additional 5 minutes to allow the rice to steam and become fluffy. Then stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter until melted and well combined.
- Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork to separate grains, season with salt and pepper to your taste, and serve hot as a delicious and aromatic side dish.
Notes
- Using basmati rice enhances the aroma and texture but any long-grain rice will work.
- Caramelizing onions slowly is key to achieving that deep, sweet flavor – do not rush this step.
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth if not vegetarian.
- Adding fresh thyme provides a subtle herbal note, but you can substitute with dried thyme if needed, using about 1 teaspoon.
- Adjust butter amount or use olive oil for a lighter version.
Keywords: Onion Butter Rice, caramelized onion rice, side dish rice recipe, vegetarian rice, buttery rice, thyme rice