This is the sort of casserole a southern cook will whip up when sweet Vidalia onions are in season or when a simple but unusual side dish is needed to complement a baked ham, roasted leg of lamb, or barbecued chicken. Just remember not to cook the onions and rice too long before baking them with the other ingredients and do check after about 50 minutes to make sure the casserole is still moist and not in the least dried out.
MAKES: 4 to 6 servings
INGREDIENTS:
- 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter
- 7 Vidalia onions, sliced
- 5 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 1 cup grated genuine Swiss cheese (Emmenthaler)
- 2/3 cup half-and-half
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- In a large, heavy skillet, melt the butter over moderate heat, add the onions, and cook, stirring, until softened, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat.
- In a saucepan, combine the water and salt and bring to a boil. Add the rice, stir, cook for 5 minutes, and drain well.
- In a large bowl, combine the onions, rice, cheese, half-and-half, and pepper. Stir until well blended.
- Scrape the mixture into a buttered 1 1/2-quart casserole.
- Bake until golden, about 1 hour.
- Serve hot.
Vidalia Onion and Rice Casserole is a Southern dish that showcases the sweet and mild flavors of Vidalia onions. Vidalia onions are a variety of onion grown in Vidalia, Georgia, known for their unique sweetness and low pungency.
Vidalia Onion and Rice Casserole is a versatile dish that can be served as a side dish with grilled or roasted meats, or as a main course for a vegetarian meal. Its creamy texture, sweet onion flavor, and cheesy goodness make it a comforting and satisfying dish that is popular in Southern cuisine.
Feel free to adjust the seasoning and cheese to your preference. You can also add other ingredients like diced bell peppers, garlic, or herbs to enhance the flavors. Enjoy this delicious casserole that highlights the unique qualities of Vidalia onions!
