The microwave oven , an appliance often used only for heating up your morning coffee, can become your best friend, not only for saving time but also for saving energy . According to studies by the Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE) , cooking in a microwave can save between 60 and 70% compared to a conventional electric oven.
Beyond heating and defrosting, the microwave is a versatile kitchen companion, allowing you to cook and grill efficiently. In fact, if you choose a microwave with different cooking programs, including a grill function, you'll not only save energy but also achieve perfectly browned and delicious dishes. Cooking in the microwave doesn't have to mean sacrificing quality.
Basic tips for microwave cooking
The microwave is an excellent alternative to prevent excessive electricity consumption, but to get the most out of it, it is important to consider some key points:
- Respect cooking times: Always follow the cooking and resting time instructions in recipes, as microwaves tend to cook faster than other traditional methods. One minute in the microwave can be equivalent to seven minutes in a conventional oven.
- Use specific containers: Always opt for pyrex glass or refractory earthenware for cooking or heating in the microwave. Never use metal containers.
- Best covered: To preserve the juices in meats such as chicken or beef, it is advisable to cover them during cooking. This will prevent them from drying out and will make them much juicier.
Cooking foods such as rice or pasta is not very different from traditional cooking, but it is crucial to pay special attention to vegetables. To optimize microwave cooking, roast them with their skin on to prevent them from dehydrating, or cut them into smaller pieces so that the heat penetrates evenly.
Benefits of microwave cooking: saving time and energy
Cooking with a microwave not only saves electricity but also reduces cooking time. The reason for this savings lies in the type of heat used. While a conventional oven uses indirect heat, warming the air surrounding the food, a microwave uses electromagnetic waves that penetrate the food directly, causing the water, fat, and sugar molecules to vibrate and generate heat internally.
To put this into perspective, if you cook a dish in the oven at 200ºC for one hour, the electricity consumption would be significantly higher than if you made the same recipe in just 10 or 15 minutes in the microwave. This energy saving translates into considerable economic savings.
The cost of cooking a recipe that would take an hour in an electric oven would be around €5,40 per month, assuming a daily consumption of 1,2 kWh (an average cost of €0,15/kWh in the Iberian Peninsula). If you switched to a microwave, the monthly cost would drop to €0,80 , meaning you could save over €55 per year.
Recipes you can make in the microwave
If you think the microwave is only useful for reheating leftovers, you'll be surprised to discover how much you can do with it! Here are some quick and easy recipes you can prepare in your microwave:
1. Microwave rice
Rice, one of the most common side dishes, can be easily prepared in the microwave. All you need is:
- 250 g of rice
- 600 ml water
- A tablespoon of olive oil
- A clove of garlic (optional)
Place all the ingredients in a microwave-safe glass bowl. Cover with cling film, pierce it a few times to allow steam to escape, and cook at 800W for 13 minutes . After removing it, let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
2. Quick pizza with homemade base
For those nights when you fancy pizza but don't want to wait hours, you can make the base with the following ingredients:
- 120 g of bread flour
- 60 ml water
- 30 ml of aceite oliva
- 1/2 tablespoon dry yeast
- A pinch of salt
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl, let the dough rest for 10 minutes covered with a cloth so that it rises, then stretch it with a rolling pin, add the toppings of your choice and activate the microwave grill for approximately 5 minutes. Ready!
3. Roasted vegetables in their own juice
Vegetables such as potatoes, eggplants or courgettes can be roasted in their skin to better preserve their nutrients. Place them in a covered bowl and cook for 5 to 10 minutes at maximum power, depending on the size.
Tips to optimize the use of the microwave
Using your microwave efficiently not only helps reduce cooking times, but also minimizes energy consumption. Here are some tips to help you improve its performance:
- Use appropriate containers: In addition to glass or heat-resistant earthenware, make sure your cookware is the right size. Small or overly large cookware can cause uneven heat distribution.
- Avoid opening the door unnecessarily: When reheating or cooking food, avoid constantly opening the door to check on the food. Every time you do this, you release a lot of heat.
- Use the defrost function correctly: It is preferable to defrost food beforehand at room temperature or in the refrigerator for extra energy savings.
So now you know, the microwave isn't just a practical appliance, but also a great ally for saving energy in your home. With proper use and a few simple adjustments, you can keep your electricity bills under control while still enjoying delicious and healthy meals.