FAQs on Microwave

A microwave oven is a versatile kitchen appliance. In addition to reheating already-cooked food and baking, you can melt chocolates and roast nuts ( amongst many other cooking-related chores). To help you know more about a microwave oven and its uses, we have curated a list of FAQs and their answers.  Here we go: 

Q1) Can I toast nuts in the microwave? Yes, you can easily toast nuts in a microwave oven. In a microwave-safe plate, spread a single layer of nuts. Cook them for 1 minute. Stir them a little and cook them for another 30 seconds or till you get the desired crispiness. The amount of time it takes depends on the type of nuts roasted. Pro tip: Once the nuts start changing colour, microwave for 30 seconds to avoid burning. Similarly, you can roast almonds, sesame seeds and coriander seeds. 

Q 2) Can I melt chocolate in the microwave? Yes, you can melt chocolate to make ganache to decorate the cake at home or to make hot chocolate milk. In a microwave-safe bowl, place chopped chocolates and microwave it for 30 minutes. Using a spatula, scrape down the sides of the bowl. Then run the microwave for another 30 seconds more. Continue heating and stirring in 15-second intervals until the chocolate is uniformly smooth. 

Q3) Can I cook rice in the microwave oven? Yes, rice can be easily made in the microwave oven. In a microwave-safe bowl, take rice and water. For every one cup of rice, take 2 or 3 cups of water, depending on the type of rice. For 10 minutes, cook the rice at a high temperature. Then cook it for 15 minutes on low or medium heat. Do not stir the rice at any time during the cooking process. 

Q4) Can I bake a cake in the microwave oven? Yes, you can bake a cake in a microwave oven with convection mode. You can also make cookies, muffins and cupcakes. For the cake, just prepare the batter. Preheat the microwave in convection mode. Then place it in a microwave-safe cake pan and cook it for 5 minutes. Poke a toothpick to check if the cake is done or not. If not then place it again in the microwave and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. The cooking time may vary from one microwave model to another. 

Q5) Can I make an omelette in the microwave oven? Yes, you can make an omelette in the microwave oven. In a bowl, crack two eggs, add salt and pepper. You can add your favourite veggies. Now, pour the mix on a microwave-safe plate and cook it for 2 minutes.  

Q6) Can I make gajar ka halwa in the microwave oven? You can make gajar ka halwa and many other desserts like custard, moong dal halwa in the microwave oven. In a microwave-safe bowl, add ghee, grated carrots, milk, sugar and khoya. Microwave it for 12 minutes (stir it every two to three minutes). 

Q7? Can I make paneer tikka in the microwave oven? You can make delicious grill items in the microwave oven. Besides paneer tikka, you can make chicken tikka, kebabs, and fish tikka with ease. Marinate the paneer for around an hour or so. Put your convection microwave oven on the grill mode. Set the temperature and then place the paneers on a skewer and let it cook for 7 to 8 minutes. 

Q8) How does a microwave work?  Microwave ovens use electromagnetic waves to cook or heat food. These waves cause water molecules in the food to vibrate, producing heat that cooks the food. Thanks to these waves, microwave ovens are incredibly fast.  

Q9) Is microwave cooking safe? Yes, a microwave oven is safe.

Q10) Are microwave ovens and OTG the same? No, microwave ovens are different from OTGs. While electromagnetic waves are used to cook food in a microwave oven, an OTG uses heated coils to cook food. Microwave ovens with convection mode and OTG are useful for baking, grilling and reheating.