You are hungry and want to prepare some lunch, but don’t have enough time on your hands to do it? If you’ve got a microwave, half of your problem is solved. This kitchen appliance can do much more than just heating up food. Oftentimes, we think of the microwave as a tool to heat up our meals, rather than actually cooking in it. But it is possible to do that too.
All the easy-peasy mug recipes - like cakes and eggs - are the perfect microwave dishes that can be made at home. However, since lunch is a slightly more elaborate affair, one may not think of resorting to this appliance. The good part is that many of your lunch ideas can be prepared in a microwave too. For instance, bhindi ki sabzi (or the dry okra dish), which is made with onions and loads of spices, can be easily cooked in this kitchen appliance and it would taste absolutely delicious.
Here are a few recipes that you can try at home.
1. Microwave Dahi Chicken
This thick and luscious chicken dish is made with the goodness of curd. The chicken pieces are first cooked with an onion and ginger-garlic paste as well as other spices like garam masala. Microwaved for 10 minutes, the chicken is stirred. Next, cornflour and curd are mixed and added to the chicken. This is then cooked for a few more minutes, after which it is garnished with kasoori methi and mint leaves.
2. Microwave Bhindi Masala
A quick and easy dish ready in a jiffy, this bhindi masala is a must-try. All you have to do is heat oil in a microwavable container. Next, add in all the masalas and mix it well. After microwaving for a few minutes, add in the sliced bhindi and cook for another few minutes. Stir in between after 4 minutes. Once it is crispy enough for your taste, garnish with coriander and enjoy.
3. Microwave Aloo Masala
This yummy and flavourful potato dish can be easily made in a microwave. Take some diced potatoes and dunk them in a bowl of water and microwave. Once excess water is evaporated and potatoes are mostly cooked, add in cumin seeds, sesame, garam masala, turmeric powder, and coriander seeds. Add in dry mango powder for flavour. Mix and microwave for some more time till it gets meshed well. Finally, garnish it with fresh coriander leaves.
4. Microwave Fried Rice
A delicious way to make your favourite fried rice, this one has got loads of veggies and flavours. The onions and peas are microwaved in water first. The rinsed rice is added with hot water and the chopped veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers. This is microwaved and then salt, pepper and other seasonings are added. Finally, the rice is stirred and cooked again for a few minutes before serving hot.
5. Microwave Chicken Curry
The classic Indian chicken curry can be made in ways that you may have never thought of. The succulent pieces of chicken are mixed with a blended paste of onion, ginger, and garlic. The rest of the spices - like cinnamon, clove, and cardamom - are also added and the chicken is cooled down for an hour before being microwaved. Taken out after 10 minutes, the chicken is stirred and cooked again for 20 minutes. Serve hot with rice and rotis.