Soaking is optional, but it will reduce your cooking time by about 20 percent. Shorter cooking time will result in more flavorful rice.
If you want to make 4 servings, use 1 cup (240 mL) of rice and 2 cups (470 mL) of water. Divide those measurements in half to make 2 servings or multiply them by 2 to make 8 servings. Just stick to the 2 parts water to 1 part rice ratio.
If you soaked the rice, remember to drain it through a fine sieve before adding it to the boiling water. Add soaked rice slowly to the boiling water to avoid splashing. It will have absorbed some of the water, so it’ll be a little heavier than rice that hasn’t been soaked.
American-style converted rice is precooked, so its cooking time is shorter.
If you soaked the rice, check it after about 35 minutes. If you’re not sure which product you have, check its cooking instructions.
The rice will expand when it cooks, so make sure the uncooked rice and water fill the container less than halfway. Use 1 cup (240 mL) of rice and 2 cups (470 mL) of water to make 4 servings. Stick to the 2 parts water to 1 part rice ratio if you need more or less than 4 servings. Presoaking isn’t necessary but, if you’d like, you could soak the rice in warm water for 15 minutes to reduce cooking time.
You’ll cover the rice later in the cooking process, but leave it uncovered for now.
American-style converted rice should be done after about 15 minutes. If you have South Indian-style parboiled rice, it’ll probably need to cook for at least 5 to 10 minutes longer.
Cook and check the rice in 5-minute intervals until it’s done. If the rice is tender but there’s still water in the container, drain the excess water.
Check the instructions to see if the manufacturer recommends pre-soaking rice and if you should adjust any settings for soaked rice. Some manufacturers recommend soaking brown rice first. If your manual mentions soaking brown rice, soak South Indian-style parboiled rice according to the instructions.
Add 1 cup (240 mL) of rice and 2 cups (470 mL) of water to make 4 servings. Double those measurements for 8 servings, or combine 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) of rice with 1 cup (240 mL) for 2 servings. Just stick to the 2 parts water to 1 part rice ratio. Adjust your measurements if the manual recommends a different water to rice ratio.
Since South Indian-style parboiled rice takes longer, select the brown rice setting. It should take about 30 minutes. Some manufacturers suggest soaking brown rice before cooking it. If so, soak your South Indian rice as directed.
You can also make the rice ahead of time and keep it warm in the cooker. Many products have a “keep warm” setting.
For 4 servings, use 1 cup (240 mL) of rice and 2 cups (470 mL) of water. Adjust the measurements if you need more or less rice and stick to the 2 parts water to 1 part rice ratio.
Parboiling white rice is a technique commonly used in a range of cuisines, including Nigerian and Middle Eastern cooking.
