Do you think that your microwave is only
good for heating frozen dinners? If so, you’re sorely mistaken. Use the
following microwave hacks to soften sugar, froth milk, whip up some
French toast, and more!
1. Peel Garlic Quickly
Nuke your garlic bulbs for 15 seconds and
the skin will slide off like magic. This is because the water in the
garlic steams and breaks down the bonds that exist between the clove and
the skin for fast removal.
2. Rescue Stale Bread
If you have forgotten to completely close your bagel or bread bag,
simply wrap the loaf in a moist paper towel and zap it for twenty
seconds. The moisture in the towel will soak into the bread, making it
fresh again, but not soggy.
3. Juice Fruit with Ease
Before juicing a lemon or orange, microwave the uncut fruit for ten
seconds. The microwave will loosen the fibers inside the fruit and make
it easier to juice every last drop.
4. Toast Nuts Fast
Put a handful of nuts in a microwave-safe
bowl, toss with some oil, and microwave in 60-second increments,
stirring after every minute. Overall cooking time depends on the type of
nut, but expect it to take around 5 minutes.
5. De-clump Brown Sugar
When your brown sugar is as hard as a rock, try this. Moisten a paper
towel, place it in the sugar bag, then zap in the microwave for 25
seconds. The moisture from the towel will transfer to the sugar and make
it easier to scoop.
6. Smooth Crystallized Honey
If your glass jar of honey has crystallized in the back of your
cupboard, simply remove the lid, and heat it in the microwave for 30-40
second increments until it returns to its original smooth texture.
7. Peel Veggie Skin Faster
Hard root vegetables and squashes can be
tough to peel. To make your job easier, place the vegetable in your
microwave for 2-3 minutes on power and the skin should become more
pliable for peeling and cutting – just be careful when removing the hot
veggie so you don’t burn your skin.
8. Cook Crispier Bacon
Place a bowl upside down on a plate. Drape the bacon strips over the
bowl, then microwave for one minute per slice of bacon. As its grease
drips onto the plate, the bacon will become mouth-wateringly crispy.
9. Froth Milk
You don’t need an expensive cappuccino to froth your milk. Instead, pour
some milk into a mason jar, no more than half full (to leave room for
foam). Screw on the lid and vigorously shake for 30 to 60 seconds. The
milk will turn to froth. Remove the lid and microwave for 30 seconds so
the foam rises.
10. Concoct French Toast
Care for some tasty brunch? Rub a pat of butter on the bottom of a mug;
fill to the top with chopped bread. In a separate cup, mix 1 egg, 3
tablespoons milk, and a sprinkle of cinnamon with a fork. Pour the
mixture into the cup and microwave for one minute.
11. Soften Collard Greens
Collard greens make delicious, healthy
wraps, but are prone to cracking and splitting when stiff. To relax a
leaf for a wrap, wash well and microwave for ten seconds.
12. Flavor Butter
Try this twist on classic bread and butter. Microwave 1 stick of cubed
unsalted butter for 30-second intervals, until melted. Add a pinch of
salt and fresh sage leaves. Continue heating in 30-second intervals
until fragrant. Drizzle on bread for an earthy, savory flavor.
I use it to break big chunks of gur/ jaggery, I put the packet for anywhere between 30-60 seconds. Then i can break the big chunk into smaller pieces with a knife easily !
To break Poriurulangai urundai- It is one of the real hard sweet ball, made with many spices and melted jaggery. One can't bite it, either you need a hammer to break it, easier way, keep it in the microwave anywhere between 10-15 seconds, you can easily break it !
I prefer to cook my stuffed brinjal and lady finger/ bhindi/ okra in microwave, as it gets cooked with very less oil !
To crisp soft murmura, just spread on a microwave safe plate for 20-30 seconds, depending on the quantity you've !
To crisp soft murmura, just spread on a microwave safe plate for 20-30 seconds, depending on the quantity you've !