Prepare to transform your ordinary rice into an extraordinary culinary experience that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you straight to the heart of Latin American cuisine! This Rice with Caramelized Onions (Arroz con Cebolla al Caramelo) is not just a side dish—it's a flavor-packed journey that turns simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece. With its rich, golden-brown caramelized onions and perfectly cooked rice, this recipe promises to elevate your home cooking and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Latin American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups rice
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear, which helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
- Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, allowing them to caramelize gradually. This process will take about 15-20 minutes, until the onions turn a deep golden brown and develop a sweet, rich flavor.
- Once the onions are caramelized, increase the heat to medium and add the rice to the pan. Stir the rice continuously for 2-3 minutes to toast it lightly and coat the grains with the caramelized onion and oil mixture.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, and season with salt and black pepper. Stir gently to combine all ingredients and ensure the rice is evenly distributed.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and let the rice simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
- Remove from heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes to allow the steam to finish cooking the rice and help it become fluffy.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, mixing the caramelized onions throughout. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Tips
- Patience is key when caramelizing onions—cook them slowly on medium-low heat to develop deep, sweet flavors without burning.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pan to ensure even heat distribution and prevent rice from sticking or burning.
- Rinse rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, which helps achieve fluffy, separated grains.
- Let the rice rest after cooking to allow steam to distribute evenly and create a perfect texture.
- For extra flavor, consider using chicken broth instead of vegetable broth, or add a pinch of smoked paprika for depth.
- If you prefer a more golden color, you can add a pinch of saffron or turmeric to the broth.
- Always taste and adjust seasoning at the end to ensure a perfectly balanced dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
