MICROWAVE COOKING FOR BEGINNERS

This section of the site contains the following:-

The Benefits of Microwave Cookery

Guidance on Buying a Microwave

Cooking with your Microwave

Recipes

The Benefits of Microwave Cookery

Speed
Prime cooking operations such as thawing, melting, poaching, boiling, simmering and baking can be carried out in minutes and seconds rather than minutes and hours.
Safety
Microwave cookery is safe. There is less risk of accidental skin burns than with a conventional oven due to the fact that the inside of the microwave remains cool during cooking. The Microwave oven can also be positioned at a height suitable to individual needs.

It is important that the microwave is not switched on whilst empty. It is therefore recommended that a small dish of water is kept in the microwave whilst not in use just in case someone forgets to put the food or drink inside before switching it on.
Cost
Microwaves are very economical to use. They use only about one quarter of the power required to run a conventional oven and cooking times are dramatically shorter. Food can also be cooked and served in one dish, which reduces washing up.
Space Saving
If you have a small kitchen or a restricted area in which to prepare food, the microwave takes up a proportionally small space. Because little heat is produced in the oven, the kitchen will remain cooler, cleaner and more free from odours than before.
Easy to Clean
Microwaves are easy to clean. Since there is no direct heat to burn on spillages (as in a conventional oven) the oven walls are easily cleaned with a damp cloth. The turntable can also be removed and washed in hot soapy water.

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Guidance on Buying a Microwave

Which to Buy
For the majority of people a small basic model is quite adequate. If however, the microwave is going to be your sole method of cooking you may consider purchasing one with an inbuilt grill, or alternatively, a combination model which can act as both a small conventional model or a microwave.

It may also be useful to bear in mind that:
- Some models have larger and bolder markings than others (important if you have a visual impairment).
- The majority of people with restricted hand movement prefer microwaves with dial controls as opposed to touch panels.
Choose Your Wattage
Wattage may vary from 500 to 1000. Microwave ovens with lower outputs will require longer cooking times, while higher outputs will require shorter times.

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Cooking with your Micro wave

Do I need to pre-heat my Microwave?
No, there is no need to pre-heat. The microwave will start cooking as soon as the power is turned on.
Will quantity of food affect cooking times?
Yes, this is one of the main differences between microwaves and conventional cooking. The more food you have in the microwave the longer it will take to cook. For example, two jacket potatoes will take slightly longer to cook than one.
What containers can I use?
All of the following are suitable: ovenglass, ceramic, pottery, heat resistant plastic, glass, microwave bags, boil in the bags, small casserole dish (used with a lid or kitchen paper).
Which type of container should I not use?
Metal containers or anything with a metal trim, i.e. roasting tins, saucepans, foil containers.
Which power setting should I use?
Always follow the instructions on recipes and packaging. Howwever, you will find that the majority of foods will be cooked on the high setting.
Should food be covered?
It is generally recommended that food be covered, especially when microwaving small individual items which may dry out. Covering food will also reduce splashing.
What type of covering should I use?
Covering may either be a specially produced microwavable lid or multi-purpose clingfilm. Microwave lids can be bought at most large stores and are preferable to clingfilm as care needs to be taken when removing clingfilm to prevent steam burns. Clingfilm can also be fiddly to work with. DO NOT USE ALUMINIUM FOIL.
Why should I pierce a clingfilm cover?
To prevent the clingfilm from ballooning up and to allow steam to escape.
What is the Defrost setting for?
This is a useful feature of microwaves, especially if you are short of time or have forgotten to take food from the freezer. Thawing takes only a short period of time and many prepared meals can be taken straight from the freezer and defrosted in minutes. Remember that some commercially produced meals can be cooked straight from the freezer without the need to defrost first.
Can I use my microwave to reheat?
The microwave can reheat food efficiently in next to no time. It is especially useful for re-heating individual portions/ meals for one. It is important when reheating that food is given the appropriate amount of time. As with conventional ovens, food should be piping hot when removed from the microwave and allowed to cool as necessary.
What is meant by "Stirring"?
Many recipes mention stirring or turning the food. This is simply to encourage a more even cooking (e.g. when cooking soups and sauces).
What is "Standing Time"?
It is important to remember that food continues to cook for a short time after you have removed it from the microwave. It is therefore recommended that food is allowed to sit for 1-2 minutes before serving in order to ensure that the cooking process is complete. This known as 'Standing Time'.

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The Recipes

All of the following recipes are to be cooked on HIGH.

The times given are only guidelines.

Cooking times will vary from microwave to microwave.

The first time you try a recipe, underestimate the time needed. Food can always be returned to the microwave for extra cooking.

NOTE: Recipes marked (v) are suitable for vegetarians.