Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Meena Shankar
Acknowledgement
Dear Readers,
First and the foremost I bow down with utmost severence and profound gratitude to the Almighty whose ever flowing 'GRACE'
and 'GUIDANCE' has made this work flower and fruit. I am indeed indebted to 'PROVIDENCE' and 'NATURE' for rocketing
me to mystical heights of sheer joy and rare satisfaction. Often, I am in awe and marvel at human creativity and ingenuity.
I take this opportunity to specially thank my friends, well-wishers and clients who inspired and encouraged me to cook untried,
new and original recipes. I am also grateful to all my family members—my parents, my husband and my children for providing
me the appropriate domestic environment and their frank feedback.
I must thank microwave technology and its practicality which has revolutionised the kitchen atmosphere in the everchanging
lifestyles of today. To me, however, a kitchen has always been a sacred spot and cooking a divine experience.
—Meena Shankar
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Guide to
Microwave Indian Cooking
Cooking is an art. Lots of practice is required in handling any type of cooking. My extensive practice and experiments in this
field have given me not only pleasure but name, fame and a lot of satisfaction. Also I have been very lucky in finding out new
recipes which are very delicious, easy to follow and very economical, less time-consuming and very nutritious. All recipes are
Indian. I have mastered this lovely art of cooking more than 20 years and still learning and trying to impart knowledge. This
particular book is based on Microwave Cooking. It is very necessary to cook fast and good food in modern age of computer
science. When no one has much time to spend in the kitchen like olden days their burden has been lessen with the one and only
MICROWAVE COOKING. To share this art of cooking with my precious readers I have written this book. These recipes are
simple and easy to follow which can be prepared in no time and without much efforts. I will really thank every reader of this
book who tries out recipes and let me know his views. I wish All the Readers—All the Best.
—Meena Shankar
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Important Notes
A. Follow the Instructions Meticulously
It is absolutely essential that the laid down step-by-step instructions are understood and followed
minutely. For example, quantity of ingredients, water, 'timing'/power level factors are critical.
However, it must be remembered that PERFECTION comes out of PRACTICE.
B. Plus Points of Microwave Oven Cooking
1. Versatility: Just at the touch of a button, you have the options of cooking, grill, simmering,
steam, stew, saute, (fried lighty and quickly) bake, boil, defrost and reheat food of all types i. e.
veg, non-veg, sweets, desserts, soups etc.
2. Healthy: Very little or no oil is required. And still the food remains nutritious, healthy and of
low-calorie value. Also the colour of vegetables remain intact.
3. Safety: The microwave oven is absolutely safe for the family as it runs on electricity. Even
children can operate it as there is no fire-hazard. Even if the door is accidentally opened, it has a
built-in automatic switch off feature.
4. Great Time Saver: With some practise, one can even cook a five-course meal in less than an
hour. Even at high speed level cooked food retains the essential vitamins, nutrients and flavours.
5. Cost Effective: It is an extremely cost-effective device especially suited for modern day living
and for working women.
6. Mobility: If required it can be moved comfortably to any part of your house like a gas stove.
C. How Do Microwaves Work?
Electricity in a microwave oven is converted to electromagnetic waves which generate energy to
cook food. These are high frequency short-length waves similar to the ones used by TV/radio.
Microwaves are produced by a magnetron concealed in the roof of the oven. When food is kept
in oven electromagnetic waves get attracted to the water, fat and sugar molecules generating heat
and thereby the cooking process. The food is cooked from outer to the inner side.
D. Setting Power Levels
For cooking flexibility, power levels and a power control knob is provided. Power level
terminology varies from oven to oven. Generally it is given in number, percentages or words. For
example if an oven has 5 power levels, the approximate percentages are given below :
E. Timing is Critical
Various factors like quantity of water, quantity and density of food ingredients, size and shape of
cooking utensil, ambient temperature and altitude of place can affect cooking time. Also it is
dependent on availability of correct voltage. Due to very low voltage, the appliance may either
cook very slowly or may not cook at all. Perfect timing will give you optimum cooking results.
Don't forget standing time.
F. Precautions and Helpful Tips
(i) Always keep oven neat and clean. Use a wet cloth to wipe it. A mild soap or detergent can be
used.
(ii) Take care to use appropriate utensils especially designed for microwave cooking. Staple
pins/plastic wraps must be removed before cooking or defrosting.
(iii) Do not use Chinaware with metallic/gold/silver/decorative lines. They may cause sparking
and damage the oven.
(iv) It is better to use a utensil with a cover. This way food will be cooked faster.
(v) Also stirring the food in-between cooking will cook it faster.
(vi) Never try to deep fry. The oil temperature cannot be controlled and it may over heat/catch
fire.
(vii) Use defrost for frozen non-veg/veg foods.
(viii) Do not heat any closed can or jar. Such heating can cause a pressure build-up and the
can/jar may explode.
(ix) Do not boil eggs in their shell as they are likely to explode.
(x) Vegetable (potatoes, tomatoes etc. ) and fruit (apple etc. ) which have a skin covering must be
punched before cooking.
(xi) To make left over rice fresh, sprinkle little water and heat.
(xii) Wrap chapaties in a paper towel and you'll get hot chapaties in no time.
(xiii) In case oil/butter is kept by mistake or incorrect utensils used immediately switch off the
power. Never open the door in a hurry.
(xiv) Steam coming out of the microwave need not worry you. It won't harm the system.
How to Get “Best Results”?
(i) maller pieces cook faster than larger pieces. For even cooking, the pieces be cut into small and
uniform sizes.
(ii) Shallow or square containers always give better results.
(iii) Most recipies need 2-4 minutes of standing time, which must not be forgotten.
(iv) If quantity is more, time limit has to be increased. Use small quantity if family members are
few.
(v) Follow the instructions in the manual/pamphlet.
(vi) Last but not the least, be cheerful, spirited and have a "positive mental attitude".
(vii) Always remember cooking is a sacred and sublime exercise.
Concluding Note
Experience is a great teacher. The best moments of my life have been spent working on the
microwave oven, cooking a variety of dishes. All the recipes given are original and tasty apart
from being nutritive. I am confident that cooking can be made an enjoyable experience, giving
you immense joy, sense of satisfaction and fulfilment.
Wishing you all the best and ‘happy cooking’.
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Cooking Terms
Batter: To mix one or more dry ingredients in milk or water.
Boil: Cooking food in hot liquid.
To Chop: Cutting in small pieces.
Deep Fry: Frying food in oil.
Garnish: To decorate food after cooking.
To Grill: To cook food under direct heat.
To Grate: To make tiny pieces.
Knead: Mixing dough using knuckles.
To Mash: To make paste by kunckles or by grinding or by grating.
To Steam: To cook directly in a container surrounded by boiling water.
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Sauces
English Creamy Sauce
Method
1. Grind chillies. Keep aside.
2. Grind tomatoes. Keep aside.
3. Grind cummin seeds, anardana, plum and tamarind pulp together in a smooth sauce.
4. Fry alongwith oil, salt in microwave and keep in a container when cooled.
Note :
Can be used with plan idlees/plain dosa or with plain rice alongwith papad.
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Beetroot Sauce
Preparation time: 1 mt
Cooking time: 6-10 mts
Power level: 5 (high)
Serves: 2 persons
Ingredients
2 cups boiled chana (black)
2 tbsp grated coconut
8 green chillies (chopped)
1 tbsp tamarind sauce
½ tsp mustard seeds
1 tsp chaat masala powder
2 onions (chopped)
few curry leaves
1 tbsp coriander leaves
½ tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp oil
salt to taste
2 red chillies (chopped)
Method
1. Fry mustard and green chillies (4 only) in microwave oven.
2. Fry turmeric powder, chopped onion and curry leaves.
3. Add boiled chana, salt and fry for 5 mts.
4. Add tamarind sauce and stir, cook for 2 mts.
5. Place grated coconut and stir.
6. Sprinkle coriander leaves on top.
7. Sprinkle chaat masala and red chillies.
8. Mix and serve alongwith soft or hot drinks.
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Chapaties Delight