Description

Golden Onion Butter Rice is a fragrant and flavorful side dish featuring basmati rice cooked to perfection and combined with richly caramelized onions sautéed in butter and olive oil. Enhanced with turmeric and optional saffron for a beautiful golden hue and aromatic touch, this dish is garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Perfect as a complement to a variety of main courses, this recipe balances buttery richness with subtle spices and sweetness from the caramelized onions.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 cups basmati rice
4 cups water
2 medium-sized onions, thinly sliced

Cooking Fats and Flavorings

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasonings

2 teaspoons salt (divided)
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/4 teaspoon saffron threads (optional, for enhanced color and flavor)

Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Rinse Rice: Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, which helps achieve fluffy rice.
Boil Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 4 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
Simmer Rice: Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice simmer for about 15 minutes or until the water is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
Heat Butter and Oil: While the rice cooks, heat the unsalted butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for caramelizing the onions.
Caramelize Onions: Add the thinly sliced onions to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they turn a golden brown color and caramelize—this should take approximately 15-20 minutes.
Season Onions: Sprinkle the caramelized onions with sugar, the remaining 1 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and turmeric powder. Stir well to incorporate all the flavors evenly.
Add Saffron (Optional): If using saffron, soak the threads in a tablespoon of warm water for a couple of minutes to release their color and flavor, then stir the saffron-infused water into the onion mixture.
Combine Rice and Onions: Once the rice is cooked, fluff it gently with a fork. Then fold the caramelized onion mixture into the rice carefully to combine without mushing the grains.
Garnish: Transfer the combined rice and onion mixture to a serving platter and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for added freshness and visual appeal.
Serve: Serve the Golden Onion Butter Rice hot as a delicious side dish alongside your favorite main courses.

Notes

Rinsing basmati rice removes starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
Caramelizing onions slowly over medium-high heat brings out their natural sweetness and deepens flavor.
Turmeric and saffron contribute to the golden color and subtle aroma of the dish.
Using a fork to fluff the rice keeps it light and fluffy.
This dish pairs wonderfully with curries, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables.