Tomato-Rice Soup with Caramelized Onion

To deepen the flavor of this pantry staple soup, we caramelize an onion and simmer some of it into the soup; the rest is reserved for garnish. Though our preference is long-grain white rice (regular, jasmine or basmati), even starchy Arborio rice works. Long-grain brown rice is good, too, but be sure to increase the simmering time to 35 to 40 minutes. No matter what type of rice you use, be sure to rinse and drain it before adding it to the pot.