Blog

May 03, 2023

I'm a cooking expert and here's how to make roast chicken, pizzas & banoffee pie from scratch in the microwave

AROUND 90 per cent of households own a microwave, but most of us only use them

AROUND 90 per cent of households own a microwave, but most of us only use them to reheat leftovers and ready meals or cook frozen peas.

Yet this versatile kitchen appliance, which became popular in the Eighties, can do so much more.

Food expert Justine Pattison's new book Ping! Is full of cost-effective, energy-efficient delicious recipes that can all be made in the microwave.

Justine says: "Microwave energy can easily be used to cook fantastic dishes from scratch.

"And the microwave method is for everyone, whether you are looking for the convenience of a quick home-cooked meal, trying to save on energy costs by using your traditional oven less, or are new to cooking and want some fool-proof ideas.

"All the recipes I feature have been carefully tried and tasted several times in my test kitchen, using different microwave ovens, so you can be sure they will work just as well for you at home.

"To make the recipes even more accessible, I’ve only used ingredients that are easy to find and don't cost the Earth.

"You’ll also only require basic cooking equipment, and you don't need a fancy microwave either.

"All these dishes can be prepared in the most basic of models.

"Microwave ovens vary so always refer to the manufacturer's instructions before cooking. Do not allow food to overheat."

Here, Natasha Harding highlights six tasty treats from the book.

SUPER-FAST and convenient, these pizzas have a fluffy base and a rich, cheesy top.

Add any of your favourite toppings or serve simply as a margherita.

You can even use the pitta bread straight from the freezer – just increase the cooking time a little.

(Makes 2 – ready in under 10 minutes)

YOU NEED

METHOD:

MICRO-TIP: Ready-grated mixed mozzarella and cheddar comes in bags and is great for making pizzas. If you can't get hold of any, use grated cheddar on the pizzas instead.

A BREAKFAST bowl of yoghurt, granola and fresh blueberries turned into light and fluffy muffins.

Making just four at a time, instead of baking a tray of 12 in the oven, is both quick and easy but you could double or triple the quantities and cook them in batches, if you prefer.

(Makes 4 – ready in under 15 minutes)

YOU NEED:

METHOD:

MICRO-TIP: The exact timings will depend on the size of your ­ramekins and how much the mixture can spread. If you don't have any ramekins, you can place the cases in microwaveable cups or mugs instead.

WONDERFUL served hot with gravy and all the trimmings, or cold for salads and sandwiches.

This recipe cooks a succulent rotisserie- style chicken in around 40 minutes.

(Serves 4 –  ready in under 40 minutes)

YOU NEED:

METHOD:

MICRO-TIP: Cut one long side of a roasting bag and open out. Tent the chicken with the bag, tucking in around the sides. If you don't have a turntable in your microwave, turn the dish every 5 minutes.

COOKING pasta in the microwave? Yup, it's perfectly ­possible.

And while I don't think there is much point if you are cooking for more than two as the time saving isn't huge – this is actually a brilliant way to prepare a simple supper if you aren't a confident cook.

(Serves 2 – ready in under 20 minutes)

YOU NEED:

METHOD:

AN utterly delicious soup that makes the most of fresh tomatoes and is almost as easy as opening a can.

Use any kind of tomatoes – those soft ones lurking at the back of the fridge that aren't quite good enough for a salad will shine here.

If you don't want to use cream, simply leave it out or add a few fresh basil leaves before blitzing, for a fresh-tasting alternative.

(Serves 2 – ready in under 15 minutes)

YOU NEED:

METHOD:

THIS is not just my best banoffee pie, but the easiest, too.

Making the caramel in the microwave rather than boiling the condensed milk in the can for hours is so much quicker and simpler.

(Serves 12 – Ready in under 25 minutes, plus chilling)

YOU NEED:

For the base and sides...

For the topping...

METHOD:

MICRO-TIP: If you don't have a suitable tart tin, you can use a 20cm round, loose-based, shallow cake tin instead (sandwich tin).