In modern times one kitchen gadget which has found worldwide acceptability is the ‘ MICROWAVE OVEN’. Most of the time it is seen as a humble heating device, but has grown into a versatile tool in the kitchen. Beyond merely reheating, it can perform various unexpected yet highly useful tasks. Here are some microwave hacks that demonstrate the hidden potential of this appliance:
Get more juices from citrus fruits
Refrigerated lemons or limes can be challenging to juice due to their firmness, but your microwave oven can come to your rescue by softening the fruit and getting every last drop of juice, microwaving it for 10 to 20 seconds, rolling it in between your hands and then squeeze. Be cautious so as not to overheat the citrus fruit as this can cause it to burst.
Decrystallise the honey
Using the microwave to revive crystallized honey is simple but effective, especially considering the cost of good-quality honey. When honey becomes grainy or hard over time, you can restore it to its liquid state by heating it on medium power in your microwave. Heat it for 30 seconds and str clockwise, and anti-clockwise to mix it well. Repeat this until you are left with soft and flowing amber liquid. Remember to avoid microwaving honey in plastic containers, use a microwave-safe jar instead.
Roast and peel garlic
Roasting garlic can be a time-consuming task. But did you know that your microwave could accomplish this in under eight minutes? Begin by slicing off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves. Place the head in a deep dish, and season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Add two tablespoons of water to the dish, cover it with plastic wrap or a paper towel, and microwave it at medium power for 8 minutes. Let it rest briefly, unwrap it, and extract the roasted cloves.
De clump brown sugar
Softening solid brown sugar is a simple task with the help of a microwave oven. Place the hard sugar lumps in a microwave-safe bowl with a damp paper towel on top. Add a few drops of water to the sugar and microwave it at medium power for 10-20 seconds, repeating this process as necessary until the sugar becomes soft and granular.
Rescue stale bread
In case you forgot to seal your bread, here is a quick fix. Wrap the bread loaf in a damp paper towel and microwave it for 20-second intervals. The moisture from the towel will rejuvenate the bread’s freshness without making it soggy.
Toasting nuts
Need toasted nuts in a hurry, the microwave oven can do it in a fraction of the time it takes in the oven. Spread nuts in a single layer on a microwave-safe dish, add half a teaspoon of oil or butter, and heat it on high for one minute. Mix the nuts and microwave it again for two to three minutes. Keep in mind they continue to toast for about a minute after removal.
Baking cakes
You can skip the oven and quickly bake moist cakes in the microwave. Whether you prefer individual cupcakes, the microwave serves as a convenient solution. Prepare your cake batter, microwave it in intervals, and keep an eye on the cooking process to avoid overcooking.
Soaking lentils and beans
If you have forgotten to soak your lentils and beans overnight, then your microwave can help. Simply place the rinsed beans or lentils in a spacious microwave-safe bowl and fully immerse them in water. Microwave the bowl at full power for 10 minutes and let it sit inside the microwave for an additional 40 minutes. Afterward drain the beans and rinse them with cool water.
Proofs dough quickly
When making homemade bread, rolls, or pizza dough, the process of proofing yeast can be quite lengthy, but the microwave offers a quick solution, reducing the time to approx 15 minutes. Simply put the dough in a spacious bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and position a cup of boiling water inside the microwave. The limited space in the microwave combined with the heat generated by the boiling water, will significantly hasten the proofing process.
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Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
7th November 2023