Five microwave hacks that will save you time and electricity
MICROWAVES are one of the most under-used appliances in the kitchen. Since its invention in 1945, the it been a game-changer for the cooking industry and has made lives much easier.
Apart from reheating, there are a lot of other things a microwave can do. Whether you are an avid home chef or a culinary novice, microwaves offer a multitude of cooking short cuts.
These microwave hacks and tricks simplify life by saving time and effort, while enhancing your cooking.
Parboil potatoes
One of the (many) secrets to the perfect roast potato – crisp and golden on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside – is parboiling your potatoes before roasting them. A microwave can help with that.
Start by preparing the potatoes as you would if you were deep-frying or roasting them. If you have a sensor cook or auto cook, use the settings, otherwise cook on high for three to four minutes.
The time it will take will depend on the weight of the potatoes and the electric power of the microwave you are using. Check your microwave’s manual for exact cooking times.
Easy dough rise
Bread dough becomes difficult to rise in bread dough but a microwave can come to your rescue.
Heat up a bowl of water for two minutes in the microwave and place the bread dough inside the microwave with the warm bowl of water.
Steam vegetables
Steamed vegetables are one of those microwave recipes that not only enhance flavour but preserve nutrients. For perfectly cooked vegetables, cut them into bite-size pieces and place them in a microwave-safe bowl.
Add one to three tablespoons of water, cover with a microwave-safe dish, and cook for three to four minutes before checking if they are done to your liking.
Make French toast
Yes, it is possible to create this breakfast favourite in the microwave. Prepare the egg mixture as usual and dip in the bread slices.
Smear a microwave-safe plate with a little butter or oil and place the first slice on the plate. Microwave on high for one minute, and repeat with the other slice.
Melt chocolate and soften butter for faster baking
If you are trying to beat out a cake at the last minute, your microwave can speed things up, so you will have more time spare to decorate it. Do this by placing chocolate in a dry, microwave-safe bowl.
Put the bowl in the microwave and microwave in 30-second intervals. Stir the chocolate with a dry spoon or spatula in between each 30-second blast, until all of the chips are just about melted and look glossy. Make sure that the chocolate does not burn. Finish by stirring until all the pieces have melted.