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.
Food 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.
Troubleshooting
If you have any of the problems listed below try the solutions given.
Problem
Cause
General
The microwave
Power is not supplied.
oven does not
The door is open.
work.
The door open safety
mechanisms are covered in
foreign matter.
The microwave
The user has opened the
oven stops while
door to turn food over.
in operation.
Action
Make sure power is supplied.
Close the door and try again.
Remove the foreign matter
and try again.
Close door well.
English
13