11
GB
Cooking Guide
MICROWAVES
Microwave energy actually penetrates food, attracted and absorbed by its water, fat and
sugar content.
The microwaves cause the molecules in the food to move rapidly. The rapid movement of
these molecules creates friction and the resulting heat cooks the food.
COOKING
Cookware for microwave cooking:
Cookware must allow microwave energy to pass through it for maximum efficiency.
Microwaves are reflected by metal, such as stainless steel, aluminium and copper, but they
can penetrate through ceramic, glass, porcelain and plastic as well as paper and wood. So
food must never be cooked in metal containers.
Foods suitable for microwave cooking:
Many kinds of food are suitable for microwave cooking, including fresh or frozen vegetables,
fruit, pasta, rice, grains, beans, fish, and meat. Sauces, custard, soups, steamed puddings,
preserves, and chutneys can also be cooked in a microwave oven. Generally speaking,
microwave cooking is ideal for any food that would normally be prepared on a hob. Melting
butter or chocolate, for example (see the chapter with tips, techniques and hints).
Covering during cooking
To cover the food during cooking is very important, as the evaporated water rises as steam
and contributes to cooking process.
Food can be covered in different ways: e.g. with a ceramic plate, plastic cover or microwave
suitable cling film.
Standing times
After cooking is over food the standing time is important to allow the temperature to even
out within the food.
Cooking Guide for frozen vegetables
Use a suitable glass pyrex bowl with lid. Cook covered for the minimum time - see table.
Continue cooking to get the result you prefer.
Stir twice during cooking and once after cooking. Add salt, herbs or butter after cooking.
Cover during standing time.
Cooking Guide for rice and pasta
Rice:
Use a large glass pyrex bowl with lid - rice doubles in volume during
cooking. Cook covered.
After the cooking time is over, stir before standing time and salt or add
herbs and butter.
Remark: the rice may not have absorbed all water after the cooking time is
finished
Pasta:
Use a large glass pyrex bowl. Add boiling water, a pinch of salt and stir well.
Cook uncovered.
Stir occasionally during and after cooking. Cover during standing time and
drain thoroughly afterwards.
Food
Portion Power
Time
(min.)
Standing
Time(min.)
Instructions
Spinach
150g
600W
5-6
2-3
Add 15 ml (1 tablespoon) cold
water.
Broccoli
300g
600W 8½-9 ½
2-3
Add 15 ml (1 tbsp.) cold water.
Peas
300g
600W
7½-8½
2-3
Add 15 ml (1 tbsp.) cold water.
Green Beans
300g
600W
9-10
2-3
Add 15 ml (1 tbsp.) cold water.
Mixed
Vegetables
(carrots/peas/
corn)
300g
600W
7½-8½ 2-3
Add 15 ml (1 tbsp.) cold water.
Mixed
Vegetables
(Chinese style)
300g
600W
8-9
2-3
Add 15 ml (1 tbsp.) cold water.
Food
Portion Power Time (min.) Standing
Time(min.)
Instructions
White Rice
(parboiled)
250g
800 W
16½-17½
5
Add 500 ml cold water.
Brown Rice
(parboiled)
250g
800 W
21½-22½
5
Add 500 ml cold water.
Brown Rice
250g
600 W
21½-22½
10
Add 600 ml cold water.
Mixed Rice
(rice + wild rice)
250g
800 W
17½-18½
5
Add 500 ml cold water.
Mixed Corn
(rice + grain)
250g
800 W
18½-19½
5
Add 400 ml cold water.
Pasta
250g
800 W
11-12
5
Add 1000 ml hot water.
ny_^TzivsTWY`Z\oniUGGwGXXGG{ SGq GX_SGYWW\GGXXaZYGht