This is supposed to be a side dish, but I'll admit I often eat it as a main!

French Onion Soup Rice is a delightful twist on the classic French onion soup. By incorporating rice, it adds a hearty texture that makes it a filling main dish or a robust side. The caramelized onions meld with beef broth to give it a rich flavor, reminiscent of the original soup, but with the satisfying chew of rice. It's perfect for those chilly evenings when you want something comforting and warm without the fuss of making a soup from scratch.

French Onion Soup Rice pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some steamed green beans to add a fresh contrast to its rich flavor. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside grilled chicken or roast beef. If you’re feeling a bit more traditional, why not offer some crusty bread to sop up all that delicious flavor?

Servings: 4 servings

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 large onions, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon thyme, dried
1 cup white rice
2 1/2 cups beef broth
1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sprinkle sugar over them to help with caramelization. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are golden brown and caramelized, about 15 to 20 minutes.

2. Stir in the thyme and rice, cooking for about 1 minute until the rice is well coated with the onion mixture.

3. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, about 18 minutes.

4. Once cooked, stir in half of the grated Gruyère cheese, allowing it to melt through the hot rice.

5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve hot, garnished with the remaining Gruyère cheese sprinkled on top.

For a lighter version, you can substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth and use a low-fat cheese. If you have folks at home who aren’t onion fans, reducing the onions slightly and adding some minced garlic might make it more palatable for them. For an extra protein kick, consider stirring in some cooked, shredded chicken just before serving.