An ancient grain, rice has been a food staple for centuries. After harvesting, the grains are processed according to marketing and preparation specifications. The outer hull is removed for brown rice and the outer hull and bran for white rice, sacrificing some nutrients in the process. Parboiling, or precooking, is done before the hulls are removed, returning some of those nutrients to the endosperm, or the soft white insides of the rice grains. This results in a firmer, less sticky rice that cooks in shorter time. You can cook parboiled rice on a stove top or in a cooker designed for that purpose.
Step One
Measure the correct amount of water and add it to the saucepan. Add the butter and salt if desired.
Step Two
Place the saucepan on a burner set to high heat and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the rice to the saucepan when the water reaches a full boil, and give it a good stir. Cover and reduce the heat to medium-low.