[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”36818″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]What do you use your microwave for? Usually, people use it to quickly reheat their meals or prepare microwavable meals and instant food. The microwave usually has a bad reputation because it’s associated with laziness and processed food.
The truth is, food science guru Harold McGee says that it’s actually a healthy way to cook vegetables. You use less fat when cooking it in the microwave and it keeps the nutrients intact.
Your options are not limited to vegetables either. There are actually many quick recipes you can prepare that are perfect for single servings or quicker, healthier meals.
Quick One-Serving Mug Cake
If you scroll through Facebook videos, surely you have encountered recipes for mug cakes. Go ahead and try it. It only requires a few ingredients and you can improvise with what you have in hand. You can check out some recipes here.
Microwave popcorn
You already know you can do this with what you can buy at the supermarket, but you can also make your own. Just put some corn kernels in a paper bag or a greased bowl. Choose a healthy fat and add your prefered seasonings for best results!
“Steamed” or frothed milk
If you need steamed or frothed milk for your mixed coffee drinks, you don’t need special equipment. Just put some milk in a jar (preferably nonfat or 2% fat), shake it to make foam, and microwave the open jar for a few seconds to stabilize the foam. Leave the lid out. It’s dangerous to microwave metal objects. Then, you can use the foam for your latte.
No-fry potato chips
Crispy chips in a microwave with no fat? It’s possible! Just arrange thinly sliced potato chips on a microwave steam basket or plate in one layer. Microwave for three minutes at a time, decreasing the power and flipping the chips at each turn, until you get that crisp chip you want. Amp up the flavor with your desired seasonings and you’re good!
One-bowl Mac and Cheese
Another food you can make from scratch in the microwave is mac and cheese. You just need half a cup of pasta and half a cup of water. Microwave in two-minute intervals until the pasta is cooked, stirring in between intervals. Watch it closely so that the water doesn’t boil over. When the pasta is cooked, stir in ¼ cup milk and ¼ cup shredded cheese plus any seasoning you’d prefer. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until you get a creamy sauce.
There are many food items you can cook in the microwave. If you want to invest in a good microwave or if these possibilities made you excited to buy one, check out our website or visit your nearest EMCOR store![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]