Converted rice

Converted rice  is actually steamed before the husks are removed.  This process causes the grains to absorb the nutrients from the husk.  Converted rice is actually more nutritious than regular white rice and provides a firmer, less sticky rice when cooked. Converted rice cooks in about 20 minutes.

You can get converted (instant rice) in most any variety including white, brown and even Basmati.  This type of rice is used frequently in Indian cooking.

You can still buy the Uncle Ben's Converted rice in most grocery stores but if you can find an Indian market they will have many other options and very good quality too.

Instant Rice - Pre-Cooked Rice

Instant rice is rice which has been parboiled then re-dried creating a rice product that cooks very quickly. In the U.S. the popular brand is Minute rice.  Although white minute rice cooks in about 5 minutes, and the brown rice in 10 minutes you are sacrificing a nutrients and flavor.

Substitute For Converted Rice

If you don't have, or don't like converted rice you can substitute:

• Any brown or white rice and you just need to increase your cooking time.
• OR - If you want an alternative quick-cooking grain (see grain cooking chart) you can use couscous
• OR - Buckwheat groats Which are whole crushed buckwheat kernels
• OR - Farro (pearled) which cooks in about 20 minutes
• OR - Quinoa which is a gluten-free option