Vidalia Onion and Rice Casserole

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.