FAQ – How To Cook Mahatma® Rice Products

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. We recommend to store the opened bag of rice in an air tight container. Another possibility could be the quality of water in which the rice was prepared.

Can I cook Mahatma® White Rice in a conventional oven?

To prepare rice in a conventional oven use a shallow pan, add boiling liquid, 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?

White Rice: 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 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.

Can I use Mahatma® White Rice in a soup?

We recommend adding the cooked rice to the soup ingredients during the last five minutes of cooking. Or serve soup and top with a scoop of rice. Store leftover soup and rice separately.

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! Be sure to visit our recipe section for a recipe on stuffed bell peppers and more.

Can I use Mahatma® White Rice to make stuffed cabbage rolls?

Yes! We recommend starting with cooked rice.

How do I cook rice at high altitude?

Mahatma Rice products were developed for cooking at sea level. For higher altitudes (3,000 ft or higher) liquid amounts and cooking times need to increase.

1. Increase amount of liquid by 2 to 2 ½ tablespoons per cup.

2. Increase sit/cook time: White Rice – let the rice sit 8 minutes or more, Brown Rice – cook the rice for 12-15 minutes.

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.

What is the best way to cook white rice?

There are ZERO grams of fat in long grain white rice. For the fat grams in each of our Mixes OR any of our other rice products, please refer to the Products tab above.

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.

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. For exact water and rice proportions please refer to the measurement panel on the bag.