The microwave is one of the most convenient kitchen appliances, offering speed and efficiency for cooking, reheating, and even baking. Yet, many people only use their microwave for basic tasks like reheating leftovers. With the right tips and tricks, you can unlock the full potential of this versatile appliance. In this post, we’ll explore 25 microwave hacks and tips that will help you prepare meals quickly, save time, and achieve better cooking results.
25 Genius Microwave Cooking Hacks for Everyday Meals:
1. Reheat Parathas without Drying Them Out
To reheat parathas without making them tough, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds. This keeps them soft and warm, just like freshly made.
2. Cook Rice Faster
To cook rice faster, rinse it thoroughly and add enough water before microwaving. Use a microwave-safe bowl with a lid, and microwave on high for 10-12 minutes.
3. Steam Idlis in the Microwave
For a quick idli fix, place your idli batter in microwave-safe molds and microwave for 2-3 minutes until soft. You can even use a mug to steam a single idli.
4. Make Instant Dosa Batter
Mix the dosa batter and microwave it for 30 seconds to set the fermentation process. It will give the batter a slight rise, making it easier to make dosas.
5. Melt Ghee Quickly
If you’re out of time, microwave a bowl of ghee for 20-30 seconds until it melts perfectly, ready to drizzle over your dishes or use in cooking.
6. Reheat Leftover Curry Without Splattering
To reheat leftover curry without causing a mess, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel and microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
7. Cook Moong Dal Quickly
Instead of boiling moong dal on the stove, place washed dal and water in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 5-7 minutes. Stir and check every minute to avoid overflows.
8. Make Instant Upma
Make a quick upma by microwaving semolina (rava) with water, vegetables, and spices for 3-4 minutes. Add some ghee on top for a traditional touch.
9. Cook Paneer at Home
To make fresh paneer quickly, microwave milk and add lemon juice or vinegar to curdle it. Microwave for 3-4 minutes, and then strain it through a cloth to separate the whey.
10. Perfectly Warm Paratha for Lunchbox
When packing parathas in the lunchbox, warm them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds with a piece of butter or ghee spread on them. This keeps them soft.
11. Defrost Frozen Chapati Dough
If you have leftover dough, defrost it in the microwave by wrapping it in a damp cloth. Microwave for 30-40 seconds, and it will be soft and easy to roll.
12. Roast Spices
Quickly roast cumin seeds, mustard seeds, or coriander seeds in the microwave. Just place them in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 30-45 seconds for a fragrant spice blend.
13. Make Microwave Poha
Prepare poha in the microwave by washing it and adding vegetables, spices, and a little water. Microwave for 3-4 minutes, and top with coriander leaves and peanuts.
14. Make Instant Sambar Powder
You can quickly roast the ingredients for sambar powder like coriander seeds, dry red chilies, and mustard seeds in the microwave. Microwave for 2-3 minutes and grind into a powder.
15. Reheat Sambar Without Losing Flavor
Reheat sambar in the microwave by adding a few drops of water to maintain the consistency and flavor. Cover with a microwave-safe lid to prevent spillage.
16. Quickly Steam Vegetables for a Curry
Microwave chopped vegetables like carrots, peas, or potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of water for 2-3 minutes. Then, add them to your curry.
17. Make Instant Rice Kheer
To make kheer, microwave rice with milk, sugar, and cardamom for 5-7 minutes. Stir halfway to prevent milk from overflowing, and garnish with almonds.
18. Reheat Chapati Without Losing Softness
To reheat chapatis, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds. This keeps them soft and warm, perfect for your meal.
19. Cook Quick Dhokla
Prepare instant dhokla batter and microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl for 3-4 minutes until the batter rises and turns fluffy. Serve with chutney.
20. Soften Tamarind for Making Chutney
Microwave tamarind in a bowl with a little water for 30-40 seconds to soften it. This helps in making fresh tamarind chutney or sauces quickly.
21. Melt Jaggery for Sweet Dishes
To melt jaggery for making sweets like tilgul or jaggery rice, microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl for 1-2 minutes until it becomes liquid.
22. Microwave Chana Masala
Instead of cooking chana masala on the stove, soak chickpeas overnight, and microwave them with spices and tomato puree for 5-7 minutes to make a quick and flavorful dish.
23. Quickly Prepare Microwave Lassi
Make a quick lassi by microwaving yogurt with a little milk, sugar, and cardamom for 30 seconds. Blend the mixture and enjoy a chilled drink.
24. Quickly Toast Coconut for Sweets
For a quick garnish on sweets like ladoos or barfis, toast desiccated coconut in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, stirring halfway.
25. Prepare Microwave Chutneys
You can prepare chutneys such as mint chutney or mango chutney by microwaving the ingredients like mint leaves, green chilies, and mangoes. Blend after microwaving to a smooth consistency.
Key Takeaways:
Microwave ovens aren’t just for reheating leftovers in an Indian kitchen—they can be a game-changer for quick cooking and saving time. Whether you need to make snacks, curry, or sweets, these 25 microwave hacks can help you prepare traditional dishes with minimal effort and in record time. Try these tips next time you’re in a rush or want to streamline your cooking process without compromising on flavor.
