MICROWAVE COOKING

MICROWAVE COOKING

USE OVEN GLOVES
In a microwave, the container is not heated but the container gets heated from contact with hot food, so use oven gloves while handling the container. A microwaveable cling film can be used to cover the food. Place loosely on the top to cover, leaving a gap between it and the food. Don’t use air-tight containers or bottles with small necks as they are liable to burst. Metallic vessels should never be used, as metal reflects the microwaves.
Aluminum foil can be used to pre¬vent the food from getting overcooked. Take care that the foil does not come into contact with the surface or turn¬table of the microwave. At least 50% of the food should be left uncovered. Wooden vessels contain moisture and hence crack when used in a microwave.
You can use the microwave for a wide variety of cooking. Tea or coffee can be made in a jiffy. Pour milk and water into a mug, add sugar, instant coffee or a tea bag and pop into the microwave for 45 secs for a steaming mug. You can warm up your child’s milk, too. Pour it into the bottle, leave uncovered and microwave for 10-45 seconds, ‘depending on how warm your child likes it.
A stack of papads can be roasted in a minute. Place on a paper towel and microwave on high for one minute, turning over and rearranging once in between. Smear a little oil on either side before roasting for fried papads.
To warm up chapattis, buns, patties, idlis etc, wrap them in a paper towel or cloth napkin before microwaving for 15 seconds. The microwave can also be used to roast masalas —jeera, dhania, garam masala, nuts etc can all be roasted in minutes.
Herbs, neem leaves etc can be dried. Bread slices can be m/crowaved for 2 minutes and be ground to give instant breadcrumbs. Soggy biscuits and savouries can be rejuvenated by crisping in the microwave.
Quick defrosting of food is another big advantage. Remove the food to be defrosted from the freezer and place in a container. Microwave for a minute, remove the packet and continue to defrost in high setting for 2-3 minutes followed by 5-8 minutes in a medium setting, depending on the quantity of food.
Stop defrosting when the pieces have separated but are yet slightly icy. If a certain part defrosts earlier than the rest, then cover that portion with aluminum foil to prevent it from cook¬ing and drying out.
Never attempt to boil an egg in the microwave as it will burst. For fried eggs, pierce the yolk with a pin before cooking. For jacket potatoes, pierce with a fork and microwave for 5-7 min¬utes,
To roast brinjal (baingan) for bharta, pierce with a fork, place on a paper towel and microwave for 15 minutes turning at 3 minutes interval.