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The microwave is frequently limited to preparing fast meals and reheating leftovers, but it can be used for much more. This widespread kitchen tool has the potential to transform daily tasks by offering creative solutions. Microwaves are very useful in helping you with some of the tasks that relieve some time and make the quest for food easier due to the ability to heat things very fast. Microwave has many applications, from toasting dry bread, obtaining the maximum amount of juice from oranges and other citrus fruits, and even drying vegetables. They are also considered very important in every kitchen today since they are fast and very easy to operate. The following ten uses of the microwave will revolutionise the way you cook food and deal with kitchen chores, whether you’re a working mother, a passionate cook, or simply a cook who wants their kitchen to become more efficient.
Quick Boiled Potatoes
In just four minutes, you can turn raw potatoes into freshly cooked ones without the time-consuming boiling process. To begin, wash the potatoes and use a fork to pierce them all over. Put them in a microwave-safe dish after wrapping them in a moist paper towel. Cook, turning midway through, on high for 4 minutes. If there are several potatoes, allow two minutes for each extra potato. As a result, the potatoes are cooked through and are ready to be mashed, roasted, or used in other recipes. This method is better at preserving more nutrients than ordinary boiling and takes less time.
Reviving Stale Dough
In just 30 seconds, bring the stiff, chilled dough back to its former pliability. Cover the dough with a moist cloth and place it in a bowl that is safe to use in the microwave. Check after every burst and heat in 10-second intervals. The dough is ideal for rolling and shaping because the moisture and mild heat will soften it gradually without cooking it. For pizza dough, roti dough, and other bread doughs that have solidified too much to deal with, this method is especially effective. Keep in mind that overheating could destroy the yeast or begin the cooking process.
Maximise Citrus Juice Extraction
Use this 30-second tip to extract up to 50% more juice from your citrus fruits. Microwave your oranges, limes, or lemons whole for 30 seconds before chopping them. The membranes within the fleshy fruit are torn apart by heat, making it easier to extract the juice. Cut and squeeze the warm fruit after rolling it on a hard surface. This technique is used when making lemonade, any cocktail, or any recipe that you need fresh citrus juice. The heat is very helpful because it improves the smell of the fruit, as well as helps release the essential oil.
Perfect 30-Second Poached Eggs
Learn how to poach eggs without having to deal with hot water. Add a small amount of vinegar to a bowl of water suitable for microwave use. Carefully slide one egg into the water after cracking it into a different tiny bowl. Place a plate over the bowl and microwave it for 30 seconds. If necessary, add 10-second intervals after checking for the appropriate level of doneness. The end product is a nicely poached egg that is suitable for salad toppings or breakfast, with firm whites and a runny yolk.
Instant Garlic Peeling
Turn the time-consuming process of peeling garlic into a 30-second activity. In a bowl that is safe to use in the microwave, place entire garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds. The peel will come off easily because of the steam that is produced between the skin and the clove. Both individual cloves and whole garlic heads can be prepared using this technique. The quick heating speeds up preparation considerably without cooking the garlic.
Kasuri Methi In Minutes
In about two minutes, make your own dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi). Fresh methi leaves should be cleaned and patted dry before being spread out on a plate lined with a paper towel that is safe to use in the microwave. Microwave in 30-second bursts, switching positions in between. The leaves will retain their colour and flavour even as they are crisp and dried. Crush them after cooling and keep them in an airtight container. This results in a spice that will be useful in the future and retain fresh herbs.
Refreshing Stale Bread
Take stale bread and turn it back into freshly made bread in a matter of seconds. For 15 seconds, microwave the bread wrapped in a paper towel that has been gently moistened. Heat and moisture are back to returning the bread to its soft state and servicing its purpose of being served warm. This applies equally to the normal bread for making sandwiches and the French bread known as baguettes. Keep in mind that as revived bread cools, it will turn tough, so it should be consumed right away.
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No-Fry Potato Chips
Make wholesome, crispy chips without deep-frying. Use a mandoline to slice potatoes paper-thin, then immerse them in cold water and pat dry. Aim at placing the slices on a parchment paper lined microwave-safe plate, season and cook at intervals of two minutes to get crispy chips for about four minutes in total. Crunchy chips with little oil are the end result. For variation, try varying the root veggies and seasonings.
Quick Kitchen Sterilisation
Sterilise kitchenware efficiently in four minutes. Put some water in the microwave and put clean glass jars, baby bowls, or kitchen towels in there. Steam produced by the intense heat destroys germs and bacteria. Fill dishes and jars with water, then microwave until it boils. First, moisten the cloth. It is most beneficial when preparing food for the baby or when processing this food through canning.
Toasting Nuts And Seeds
Quickly toast nuts and seeds without losing their nutritional value. Arrange them in a single layer on a dish that is safe to use in the microwave. Heat them for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between each burst. If you do not want to burn, focus. The end product is uniformly toasted nuts that have been improved in flavour and crunch, making them ideal for baking, cooking, or snacking. Almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds all respond nicely to this technique.
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The versatility of your microwave is demonstrated by these ten creative uses. You will find out that your microwave oven is not just for warming foods but also for cooking shortcuts and other tricks to do with microwaves. Applying them when cooking enhances your overall cooking process and saves time.
