• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Flavors Treat
  • Home
  • About Me
    • Disclosure & Privacy Policy
    • Recipe and Safety Disclaimer
  • Spice Pantry
  • Recipe Index
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • RSS Flavors Treat

    • Instant Sambar Mix Recipe February 2, 2023
      Instant sambar masala is an essential spice blend made with aromatic whole spices and grains. With this spice powder, you can prepare sambar in one pot in less than 20 minutes.  Sambar is a popular dish in southern India made with a variety of vegetables, tamarind extract, lentils and sambar masala powder. Every household has... […]
    • Chickpea Veggie Patties Recipe (Kid-Friendly Vegetable Patties) January 26, 2023
      Chickpea Veggie Patties - vegan, nut-free and protein-rich round patties made with colourful vegetables, chickpeas, a blend of spices and fresh herbs. These unbelievably tasty kid-friendly vegetable patties make healthy kids snack after school or on weekends. One of the easy vegan recipes that kids would love to make and enjoy. As always, you will... […]
    • Crispy Masala Peanuts Recipe (Air Fryer) January 24, 2023
      Masala peanuts is a spicy and super crunchy tea time snack perfect to enjoy with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Crispy masala peanuts recipe is a vegan and gluten-free. The air fryer masala peanuts recipe is quick to make with a handful of ingredients. It is as simple and easy as tossing peanuts... […]
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
  • About Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipe Index
    • Subscribe
    • Contact
    • About Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Rice

    Parboiled Rice Recipe - Stovetop and Instant Pot

    Published: Jan 20, 2023 by Geetha Priyanka · 1 Comment

    Scroll to Recipe Scroll to Video Print Recipe
    pin image of parboiled rice with a pink text overlay on the top and bottom.
    pin image of parboiled rice with a blue text overlay on the top.
    pin image of parboiled rice with a black text overlay on the top.

    Learn how to cook parboiled rice perfectly every time with this easy-to-follow guide. You will find both stovetop and instant pot methods.

    perfectly cooked parboiled rice in a oval bowl with a coriander leaf in the middle placed on a tile along with a cloth.
    Jump to:
    • What is parboiled rice?
    • Ingredients
    • Step-by-step stovetop Instructions
    • How to cook parboiled rice in instant pot?
    • Substitutions and Variations
    • Tips and Tricks
    • Storage
    • Serving Suggestions
    • FAQ
    • 📖 Recipe Card

    What is parboiled rice?

    Parboiled rice is also called converted rice is a uncooked rice that is partially boiled in its inedible husk. Freshly harvested rice is soaked, steamed and dried, with its outer husk intact on the grains. Later, this inedible hull is removed.

    This process of pre-cooking whole grain retains the maximum amount of nutrients and is a better source of fiber compared to regular rice. This whole procedure also simplifies the process of removing rice grains from the husk.  

    rice packet placed on a wooden table.

    Technically, parboiled rice is not a different variety, rather it’s a form of rice. It could be basmati rice, long-grain rice, medium grain or short grain rice. Regardless of which variety of parboiled rice you use, the cooking process is the same, but the cooking time varies.

    All different varieties of parboiled rice can be cooked in a rice cooker, pressure cooker, a pot on a stovetop or microwave oven. The water required to cook parboiled rice is higher than regular rice.

    holding a wooden spoon of cooked parboiled rice on top of colander.

    Parboiled rice has neither a chewier texture like brown rice nor is it delicate like white rice. It has a firm texture with a subtle nutty flavour and a stronger taste than regular white rice.

    Unlike white rice, parboiled rice is not white, it has a slight yellow colour stained by the bran layer and husk from the steaming process. This rice turns fluffy with the best texture, it is non-sticky with separate grains of rice when cooked. Cooking parboiled rice is easier compared to white rice, especially for beginners. 

    Parboiled rice is quite common in India. It has been used extensively since ancient times. Apart from cooking it to pair with curries, it could be used to cook desserts such as sweet pongal, rice pudding and savoury dishes such as ven pongal, dal khichdi, bisi bele bath, pulao and the most favourite staples in south Indian households - dosa and idli. Short-grain parboiled rice is the main ingredient used to make dosa and idli batter along with urad dal.

    Ingredients

    a blue bowl of raw rice and a glass jar of water placed on a wooden table.
    • Rice: I have used greek long grain parboiled rice. You can use any long grain parboiled rice.
    • Liquid: Plain water to cook rice. This is a cook and drain method, so you would need plenty of water.

    Find the quantities and a short video in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

    Step-by-step stovetop Instructions

    pouring water over rice in a blue bowl placed on a wooden table.

    Rinse and wash the rice 3-4 times with cold running tap water until the water runs clear. 

    Soak it for 20 minutes. 

    After 20 minutes, drain the rice in a colander. 

    Place the large pot on the stove and add rice.

    Boil water in the kettle.

    Pour the boiling water into the pot of rice and switch the heat on.

    Stir gently once and cook over medium high heat.

    Once rice comes to boil simmer for around 20 minutes and switch the heat off. 

    Drain rice in a colander.

    Transfer the rice from colander to the pot and close it with the lid until ready to serve.

    oval dish of rice with a coriander leaf placed on a wooden board along with a napkin on a marble.

    Enjoy perfectly cooked fluffy parboiled rice.

    How to cook parboiled rice in instant pot?

    Rinse and wash 2 cups of rice 3-4 times with cold water until the water runs clear. 

    Soak it for 20 minutes. 

    Drain water and add rice to the pot. 

    Add 5 cups of water and stir gently. 

    Secure the silicone sealing properly in the lid and then close the pot.

    Move the pressure valve to the SEALING position. 

    Plug in and switch the instant pot ON, and press the PRESSURE COOK/MANUAL button. 

    Set the timer to 8 minutes at HIGH PRESSURE.

    Once the instant pot beeps, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes.

    After 10 mins, move the pressure valve to the VENT position to release the pressure manually. 

    Once the pressure is completely released, the knob next to the pressure valve drops. 

    Now open the lid and leave it for 5 minutes before you fluff the rice. 

    Substitutions and Variations

    Water: Instead of boiling water in the kettle, you could boil it in a pot on the stovetop over medium-high heat. But make sure to add rice once water comes to boil.

    Saffron: Add soaked saffron and a little salt along with water to make a simpler version of saffron rice. 

    Salt: You could use a pinch of salt to enhance the taste of rice. However, be mindful of adding salt if you plan to serve it with a curry or side dish, as they have salt too. 

    Oil: A dash of olive oil or coconut oil adds a lovely aroma to the rice.

    Tips and Tricks

    Rice water ratio: It varies depending on the type of rice you use. Check the packaging. (For the Instant Pot method). I used Greek long grain rice in this recipe that require 1:1.5 (1 cup of rice to 1 and half cups of water).

    Stir: Gently stir the rice once when you add water. Later, it’s unnecessary to stir regularly as it causes the grains to break (stovetop method).

    Bulk cooking: If you cook a large quantity of rice to freeze for later use, spread the rice on a shallow pan to cool it quickly. 

    Cook time: It varies depending on various factors - varieties of rice with different grain lengths (long grain rice, extra long grain rice or medium grain), hardness of water, soaked or not.

    Soak: Soaking helps to cook rice in a shorter time. 

    Water quantity: Ensure to cook rice in sufficient water as the rice gets sticky and gloppy if cooked in less water. (stovetop method).

    Hot Water: Keep a jug of hot water ready while cooking in case the rice absorbs water and it still needs more water to cook through.

    Storage

    Fridge: Cooked parboiled rice stays fresh for 3-4 days in the fridge if stored properly in an airtight container. 

    Freezer: Consider storing in the freezer for a longer shelf life. Once the rice is completely cooled to room temperature, divide it into portions; put each portion in a freezer-safe container or a ziplock bag. Store them in the freezer.

    Thaw (defrost): Take a portion out from the freezer and keep it in the fridge overnight to thaw.  

    Reheat: put the thawed rice in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in the microwave until piping hot. Stir in between for uniform heating. 

    Serving Suggestions

    Perfect to serve with plain curry sauce such as plain salna or curries, stir-fry or Indian side dishes. 

    Great to use in vegetarian zucchini boats and burritos. 

    Best to serve with soups, salads and rice bowls.

    FAQ

    How to use up leftover parboiled rice?

    There is an array of Indian rice varieties to make with leftover rice such as jeera rice, lemon rice, coconut rice, corn fried rice.

    What are the advantages of parboiled rice?

    It is more nutritious than raw white rice.
    Cooks perfectly fluffy with grains separate.
    Do not get mushy so quickly, like raw rice. 
    The nutritional value of parboiled rice is almost equivalent to brown rice but has a better taste and texture than brown rice.

    How to fix undercooked parboiled rice?

    Put the rice pot back on stove, add hot water, let it cook for few more minutes and then drain it. Unlike regular white rice, parboiled rice won't get sticky.

    KEEP IN TOUCH

    Do let me know if you cook parboiled rice. If you like this recipe kindly consider rating it using stars in the comment section or on the recipe card to help more people find this recipe online. You can stay up to date by following me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram or subscribing to my Youtube channel. Or why not subscribe to my blog and get simple recipes straight to your inbox?

    📖 Recipe Card

    oval dish of rice with a coriander leaf placed on a wooden board along with a napkin on a marble.

    Parboiled Rice (Stovetop + Instant Pot)

    Learn how to cook parboiled rice perfectly every time with this easy-to-follow guide. You will find both stovetop and instant pot methods.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Pin Share by Email Rate
    Course: rice
    Cuisine: Asian, Mediterranean
    Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes
    soak time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 50 minutes
    Servings: 2 people
    Calories: 357kcal
    Author: Geetha

    Video

    Equipment

    • 1 Steel pot
    • 1 Wooden Spoon

    Ingredients

    1 Cup = 250ml ; 1 Tablespoon = 15ml ; 1 Teaspoon = 5ml

    • 1 Cup Uncooked Parboiled Rice (Greek long grain)
    • 9 Cups Water

    Instructions

    • Rinse and wash the rice 3-4 times with cold running tap water until the water runs clear. 
      1 Cup Uncooked Parboiled Rice (Greek long grain)
    • Soak it for 20 minutes. 
    • After 20 minutes, drain the water from the soaked rice. 
    • Place the pot on the stove and add rice to the large pot.
    • Boil water in the kettle.
      9 Cups Water
    • Pour the boiling water into the pot of rice and switch the heat on.
    • Stir gently once and cook over medium heat.
    • Once rice comes to boil simmer for around 20 minutes and switch the heat off. 
    • Drain rice in a colander.
    • Transfer the rice from colander to the pot and close it with the lid until ready to serve.
    • Enjoy perfectly cooked fluffy parboiled rice.

    Notes

    Rice water ratio: It varies depending on the type of rice you use. Check the packaging. (For the Instant Pot method). I used Greek long grain rice in this recipe that require 1:1.5 (1 cup of rice to 1 and half cups of water).
    Stir: Gently stir the rice once when you add water. Later, it’s unnecessary to stir regularly as it causes the grains to break (stovetop method).
    Bulk cooking: If you cook a large quantity of rice to freeze for later use, spread the rice on a shallow pan to cool it quickly. 
    Cook time: It varies depending on various factors - varieties of rice with different grain lengths (long grain rice,
     
    ** Nutritional information provided here is estimated and for guidance only. Please refer my Recipe Disclaimer for more details.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 357kcal | Carbohydrates: 78g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Sodium: 61mg | Potassium: 112mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.1g | Calcium: 61mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Leave your feedback and RATE THE RECIPE!
    Enjoy recipe video?Check out my YouTube channel FLAVOURS TREAT for more videos!
    Like this recipe?Join our EMAIL LIST to receive new recipes!

    More Rice

    • Instant Pot Bisi Bele Bath Recipe with Homemade Masala
    • Instant Pot Jeera Rice Recipe (Indian Cumin Rice)
    • Instant Pot Vegetable Pulao
    • One Pot Vegetable Pulao Rice Recipe

    Sharing is caring!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Anitha Ramki

      January 21, 2023 at 12:56 am

      5 stars
      Very descriptive and detailed… definitely worth a try!

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    FOLLOW ME

    Hey, Welcome to Flavours Treat. Geetha here - a cook, photographer, videographer, editor and voice behind the Flavours Treat.

    More about me and blog →

    Popular Recipes

    • Honey Garlic Cauliflower (Party Appetiser + Video)
    • Homemade Coconut Pudding (Eggless and Dairy-free)
    • Millet Dosa
    • Jeera Aloo (Potato side dish + Video)

    FEATURED on

    RSS Latest Recipes

    • Instant Sambar Mix Recipe February 2, 2023
      Instant sambar masala is an essential spice blend made with aromatic whole spices and grains. With this spice powder, you can prepare sambar in one pot in less than 20 minutes.  Sambar is a popular dish in southern India made with a variety of vegetables, tamarind extract, lentils and sambar masala powder. Every household has... […]
    • Chickpea Veggie Patties Recipe (Kid-Friendly Vegetable Patties) January 26, 2023
      Chickpea Veggie Patties - vegan, nut-free and protein-rich round patties made with colourful vegetables, chickpeas, a blend of spices and fresh herbs. These unbelievably tasty kid-friendly vegetable patties make healthy kids snack after school or on weekends. One of the easy vegan recipes that kids would love to make and enjoy. As always, you will... […]
    • Crispy Masala Peanuts Recipe (Air Fryer) January 24, 2023
      Masala peanuts is a spicy and super crunchy tea time snack perfect to enjoy with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Crispy masala peanuts recipe is a vegan and gluten-free. The air fryer masala peanuts recipe is quick to make with a handful of ingredients. It is as simple and easy as tossing peanuts... […]

    Footer

    Search for a Recipe:

    Connect With Us

    Disclosure and Privacy Policy

    Recipe and Safety Disclaimer

     

    Recent Posts

    • Instant Sambar Mix Recipe
    • Chickpea Veggie Patties Recipe (Kid-Friendly Vegetable Patties)
    • Crispy Masala Peanuts Recipe (Air Fryer)
    • Parboiled Rice Recipe - Stovetop and Instant Pot
    • Instant Pot Bisi Bele Bath Recipe with Homemade Masala

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Disclosure and Privacy Policy
    • Recipe and Safety Disclaimer

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2021 Food Pro on the Foodie Pro Theme

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    Non-necessary
    Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
    SAVE & ACCEPT