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Cozy One-Pot French Onion Orzo Recipe with Crispy Shallots and Gruyere

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A comforting and easy one-pot meal combining caramelized onions, creamy orzo, melted Gruyere cheese, and crispy shallots for a cozy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 medium shallots, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta (about 170 grams)
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (about 100 grams)
  • 4 cups beef broth or vegetable broth (950 ml)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup dry white wine (optional, 120 ml)

Instructions

  1. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced yellow onions and a pinch of salt, stirring occasionally. Cook for 25-30 minutes until onions are deep golden brown and caramelized. Add a splash of water or broth if onions start to stick.
  2. While onions cook, heat olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add sliced shallots and fry, stirring frequently, until golden and crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Set aside.
  3. Stir minced garlic and thyme into the caramelized onions. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Pour in white wine (if using) and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
  5. Add orzo pasta and broth to the skillet. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Remove from heat when orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed. Stir in remaining 1 tablespoon butter and shredded Gruyere cheese until creamy and smooth.
  7. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped generously with crispy shallots.

Notes

Caramelize onions low and slow for best flavor; stir every 5 minutes. Fry shallots thinly sliced in plenty of oil and remove as soon as golden to avoid bitterness. Stir orzo occasionally and add broth if it dries out before fully cooked. Use high-quality Gruyere cheese for best melt and flavor. For vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and skip wine or substitute with white grape juice. For gluten-free, substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta or quinoa, adjusting cooking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: French onion, orzo, one-pot meal, Gruyere, crispy shallots, comfort food, easy dinner, caramelized onions

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/cozy-one-pot-french-onion-orzo-recipe-with-crispy-shallots-and-gruyere/