MICROWAVE OVEN

MICROWAVE OVEN

Food can be cooked,
Stored, reheated and
Served in the same
Vessels. The pile of
Vessels in the kitchen
Sink is thus reduced
To a very large extent,
/To roast brinjai (baingan) for bharta, pierce with a fork, place on a paper towel and microwave for 15 minutes turning at 3 minutes interval. For peeling tomatoes, pierce with a fork and microwave for 30 seconds before removing the skin. Almonds can be blanched by placing in boiling water and microwaving for a minute. The skin then peels off easily.
There is a certain amount of mois¬ture loss while cooking in a microwave, but this can be largely reduced by cov¬ering vegetables while cooking. While cooking rajma or peas, take care to cover as the beans are likely to burst and splatter. While cooking in the microwave, arrange food in such a manner that parts which require more time to cook are in the periphery of the dish. For example, pieces of cauli¬flower should be arranged with the dense stalks placed outward and the flowerets towards the centre.
The cooking time in a microwave varies with the quantity of food to be cooked. Cooking time may vary with fluctuating voltage too. While cooking in a microwave, stop cooking when the food is slightly undercooked and keep it standing for a few minutes. The energy entrapped in the food ensures that it will get done while standing.
USEFUL FOR ENTERTAINING
A microwave is very useful while entertaining. Food cooked earlier can be stored in suitable microwaveable glassware. You can then relax and entertain your guests. A few minutes before the meal is served, the items can be popped one by one into the microwave to reheat for a piping hot dinner.
Stack a pile of dishes, 4 at a time, with a cloth or paper napkin in between. Microwave for 30 seconds and offer your guests warm plates. Moisten small towels, roll them up and microwave for 30 seconds. Arrange in a basket and at the end of the meal, offer your guest warm towels to refresh them.
The microwave needs minimum maintenance. Wipe with a moist cloth to remove splatters after cooking and leave open for a few minutes to remove odours. To remove a strong odour, take 2 cups of water in a ves¬sel, add a few drops of vanilla essence and microwave for 3 minutes. You can use a slice of lime or cinnamon sticks in place of vanilla essence, for a fresh, pleasant smell