Monday, February 04, 2008

Half-Baked Microwave Tips

HALF-BAKED MICROWAVE TIPS
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Your microwave can be used for more things than just reheating stuff. This pinch of theory might be what's needed to set you on your way!


HYPOTHESES
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1. CLOSED LID PRINCIPLE
Closed lid ensures that things get cooked properly. (Heat retention)

2. OPEN LID PRINCIPLE
Open lid = food just gets heated. Of course if you heat it long enough , things might get cooked, but prefer to apply Principle 1!
a) Use open lid for reheating.
b) Open lid for initial mixing of masala (or base) with oil == the aroma spreading.

3. PASSIVE COOKING PRINCIPLE
Cooking continues for 2-3 minutes after you turn off power (if lid is closed).

LAB NOTES
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1. For cooking rice. Add Rice and water in the ratio: 1: 2 (min) . Depending on the type of rice, water needs to be 2 to 2.5. And remember, 2 cups of rice will be enough for 3 people.

2. Cut chicken, potato & carrots into smaller pieces before cooking. Chicken in a gravy takes 15-20 minutes on medium (depending on the size of the pieces).

3. Don't add too much salt or water; it increases cooking time. Add these only, say, 2-3 minutes from the end.

4. Don't always put the oven on maximum. Medium has a meaning too!

5. Prefer to slightly undercook than to overcook. That is, if you see, say, 10 minutes in a recipe don't make it 12 or 15, just to "make sure" that things get cooked "properly".

6. For better results, stir contents at 6 minute intervals or so - to ensure proper heat circulation and so that the contents

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DISCLAIMER: These are experimental findings From TJ's Microwave Lab.
Use at own risk! ;-) Author shall not be forced to partake of failed applications.
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