Creamy Soubise Rice with Golden Onions
Creamy Soubise Rice with Golden Onions is a classic French dish that beautifully marries the rich, caramelized flavors of slow-cooked onions with creamy, buttery rice. Inspired by Julia Child's 'Mastering the Art of French Cooking,' this dish is prepared by slowly braising onions until they melt into a sweet, savory puree, allowing the rice to absorb their natural moisture. With the addition of cream and Swiss cheese, each bite is decadently smooth, making it a perfect accompaniment to tender veal or chicken. Enjoy this gourmet comfort food, which not only delights the palate but also adds a touch of elegance to your dining table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
rice
1/2 cup (rinsed)
water
4 quarts (rapidly boiling)
salt
1 1/2 tablespoons (to season water)
butter
4 tablespoons (melted)
yellow onions
2 lbs (thinly sliced)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to season dish)
pepper
1/8 teaspoon (to season dish)
whipping cream
1/4 cup (for finishing)
Swiss cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
butter
2 tablespoons (softened, for finishing)
parsley
1 tablespoon (minced, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2
In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a rapid boil. Add 1.5 tablespoons of salt to the water.
3
Add the rice to the boiling water and cook for exactly 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, drain the rice immediately and set aside.
4
In a 3-quart fireproof casserole, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in the oven until foaming.
5
Once the butter is ready, add the thinly sliced onions to the casserole, stirring to coat them evenly with the butter.
6
After the onions are well-coated, gently fold in the drained rice along with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper. Mix thoroughly.
7
Cover the casserole and place it in the preheated oven. Cook slowly for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the rice and onions are very tender and have developed a light golden yellow color.
8
After cooking, taste and correct the seasoning as needed.
9
Just before serving, stir in the whipping cream and grated Swiss cheese until well combined. Finally, add 2 tablespoons of softened butter to enrich the flavor.
10
Taste again for seasoning adjustments, then transfer the creamy mixture into a warm vegetable dish. Garnish with freshly minced parsley before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Soubise Rice with Golden Onions?
Creamy Soubise Rice with Golden Onions is a classic French dish that combines slow-cooked, caramelized onions with buttery, creamy rice, inspired by Julia Child.
Who inspired this specific recipe?
The dish is inspired by Julia Child's legendary cookbook 'Mastering the Art of French Cooking.'
What type of onions are best for this recipe?
Yellow onions are recommended, as they develop a sweet and savory flavor when slowly braised.
How many onions do I need for this dish?
You will need 2 lbs of yellow onions, which should be thinly sliced.
What is the initial preparation for the rice?
The rice should be rinsed and then boiled in salted water for exactly 5 minutes before being drained.
What is the oven temperature for cooking Soubise Rice?
The oven should be preheated to 300°F (150°C).
How much rice is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of rinsed rice.
What kind of casserole dish should I use?
A 3-quart fireproof casserole is recommended for cooking the rice and onions in the oven.
How long does the dish cook in the oven?
The rice and onion mixture should cook slowly in the oven for about 1 hour.
What gives the dish its creamy texture?
The creaminess comes from the slow-melted onions, butter, whipping cream, and grated Swiss cheese.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of grated Swiss cheese.
When do I add the cream and cheese?
The whipping cream and Swiss cheese are stirred in just before serving, after the rice and onions have finished baking.
How much butter is required in total?
A total of 6 tablespoons of butter is used: 4 tablespoons for the initial braising and 2 tablespoons for finishing.
What is the purpose of boiling the rice for only 5 minutes?
This parboils the rice so that it can finish cooking in the oven by absorbing the moisture from the onions.
What should the final color of the rice and onions be?
The mixture should develop a light golden yellow color after its hour in the oven.
What are the recommended main courses to serve with this dish?
It is a perfect accompaniment to tender veal or chicken dishes.
What is the garnish for this dish?
The dish is garnished with 1 tablespoon of freshly minced parsley.
How much water is needed to boil the rice?
You should use 4 quarts of water brought to a rapid boil.
How much salt is added to the boiling water?
Add 1.5 tablespoons of salt to the 4 quarts of water.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian as it contains only rice, vegetables, and dairy products.
Can I substitute the Swiss cheese?
While Swiss is traditional, other melting cheeses like Gruyere or Emmental would also work well.
What seasoning is added to the rice and onion mixture?
The mixture is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper before baking.
Do I need to stir the dish while it is in the oven?
Yes, you should stir the mixture occasionally during the 1-hour baking period.
What is the texture of the finished onions?
The onions should be very tender, essentially melting into a sweet, savory puree.
How much whipping cream is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of whipping cream.
Should the butter in the casserole be melted before adding onions?
Yes, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in the oven until foaming before adding the sliced onions.
Is the rice cooked on the stovetop or in the oven?
It is parboiled on the stovetop for 5 minutes and then slow-cooked in the oven for an hour.
What is 'Soubise' in French cooking?
Soubise is traditionally a thick, onion-based sauce or preparation, often thickened with rice or Béchamel.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It is best served immediately after stirring in the final cream and cheese for the best texture.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While not explicitly stated, the use of 2 lbs of onions and 1/2 cup of rice typically serves 4 to 6 people as a side dish.