Frequently Asked Questions

Cooking

• When I cook my rice it always turns out … too hard, too soft, mushy, gummy. Why?
  Just be sure you have the correct rice for the right purpose or recipe you are preparing. Never disturb the rice during cook time. Some other reasons could be: correct measurement of rice and water, inadequate simmer or cook time, correct pot size, appropriate burner size.
• What type of rice should I use when making rice pudding? Sushi? Rice Pilaf?
  For rice pudding and sushi, use medium or short grain rice. For a rice pilaf, use long grain rice.
• What is the best way to cook white rice?
  A general procedure for cooking long grain white rice is the 1-2-3 rule … 1 part uncooked long grain or medium grain rice, plus 2 parts liquid, equals 3 parts cooked rice. Bring 2 cups of *liquid to a boil in a 2-quart heavy saucepan. Stir in 1 cup of rice. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes or until all the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let steam with the lid on for 2 minutes longer. *You can use meat or vegetable stock instead of plain water. Makes 3 cups cooked rice.
• After cooking my rice, it has a bad taste and/or smell?
  It is possible for rice to absorb other smells or odors, while in storage. An additional possibility could be the quality of water in which the rice was prepared.
• Can I cook Mahatma^® White Rice in a conventional oven?
  For the oven … in a shallow pan, use boiling liquid, add rice, stir, cover and bake at 350°F. Cook long grain rice for 25 to 30 minutes; parboiled rice 30 to 40 minutes; and brown rice 50 to 60 minutes.
• Can I cook Mahatma^® White Rice in a crock pot?
  This is not recommended.
• Can I cook Mahatma^® White Rice in a microwave oven?
  Yes … in a 2-quart microwave-safe dish combine 2 cups of water and 1 cup of rice. Cover and microwave on HIGH for 5 minutes. Reduce setting to 50% power, microwave for 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed. If your microwave does not have variable power settings, follow the manufacturer's directions. Also, it is not recommended to cook more than 1 cup of uncooked rice in the microwave.
• Can I cook Mahatma^® White Rice in a pressure cooker?
  This is not recommended.
• Can I cook Mahatma^® White Rice in a rice cooker?
  Yes, refer to manufacturers directions for the specific rice cooker you have purchased.
• Can I cook Mahatma^® White Rice in any liquid other than water?
  Yes, but if you are using fruit juices, we recommend using ½ juice and ½ water. Meat or vegetable stocks can be used instead of water. Or, just add a bouillon cube to the water.
• How do I cook Mahatma^® White Rice at high altitude?
  As the best method, we recommend an electric rice cooker for a more controlled cooking environment. Or, cook rice in excess water, cook and simmer the rice uncovered.
• Can I use Mahatma^® White Rice in a soup?
  We recommend adding the cooked rice to other soup ingredients during the last five minutes of cooking.
  
  Chicken and Rice Soup
• Can I use Mahatma^® White Rice to make a stir-fry or fried rice dish?
  Yes! For best results, try using left-over cooked white rice. Adding more whole grains to your diet? Try substituting cooked whole grain brown rice instead of regular white rice for your stir-fry or fried rice recipe.
• Can I use Mahatma^® White Rice to make meatloaf?
  We recommend cooked rice in meatloaf to be sure there is enough liquid to re-hydrate the rice.
• Can I use Mahatma^® White Rice to make rice pudding?
  Yes! Be sure to visit our recipe section for some great ideas for rice pudding.
• Can I use Mahatma^® White Rice to make stuffed bell peppers?
  Yes! We have three great recipes for stuffed peppers, be sure to visit our recipe section.
• Can I use Mahatma^® White Rice to make stuffed cabbage rolls?
  Yes! We recommend starting with cooked rice. Be sure to visit our recipe section for a great recipe.
• My recipe calls for one cup Converted® or parboiled rice. Can I substitute Mahatma Gold® or Carolina Gold®?
  Yes … see glossary for definition of Converted®. If your recipe requires parboiled rice, be sure you cook with the appropriate amount of liquid. Parboiled rice requires more liquid to prepare: 1 Cup parboiled rice; plus 2 ¼ Cups of Liquid; Yields about 3 cups of cooked rice.