Buy it a few days ahead of when you plan to use it so you'll have enough time for soaking.
Rice is an economical and convenient part of the Cuban larder.
Traditionally Cubans cook with long-grain white rice, but you can substitute converted white rice for quicker cooking. For an oddly authentic touch, buy a can of petit pois. These imported canned peas were considered quite a delicacy in 1950s Cuba and still appear in many recipes. Meats and Seafood Chicken is called for in many Cuban dishes and can be turned into a good, quick dinner with rice. The same goes for ground beef, which can easily be turned into a spicy Picadillo .