French Onion Soup Rice Comforting and Flavorful Dish

Ingredients

• 1 cup arborio rice
• 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 0 to taste salt and pepper
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
• 0 to taste fresh chives, chopped for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large heavy-bottom pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and stir to coat. Sprinkle the sugar over the onions to help them caramelize. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are deep golden brown and sweet.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and thyme, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the arborio rice to the pot. Stir well to coat the rice grains with the buttery onion mixture. Toast the rice for about 2-3 minutes.
4. Gradually add in the warm broth, one cup at a time, stirring frequently. Allow each cup to be absorbed before adding the next. This should take about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is creamy and al dente.
5. Once the rice is cooked, taste and adjust with salt and pepper as necessary.
6. Stir in half of the shredded Gruyère cheese until melted and creamy.
7. Spoon the rice mixture into bowls and top each serving with the remaining cheese. For added flavor, pop the bowls under a broiler for about 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
8. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives for a pop of color and added flavor.