Jan Bilton: Microwave magic meals

The microwave oven is a winner when it comes to TV sporting events. There’s nothing better than watching a game while enjoying a delicious meal in a mug. It’s easy to hold and eat with a fork. And you can even prepare whole meals in a mug, and cover and refrigerate them until ready to cook at an appropriate time. Lasagne, scrambled eggs, omelettes and muffins can all be cooked in mugs.

It’s easy to accidentally overcook in the microwave. And if microwave food is overcooked it is as bad as when it is overcooked by conventional means. If you’re unsure of the timing, cook in short bursts. You can always add a few extra seconds or minutes of cooking at the push of a button.

Check the wattage of your oven. The higher the wattage the quicker it will cook food. If the microwave is a 1200 or 1400-watt oven it is sometimes better to cook on 50 per cent power especially when cooking eggs. My recipes were tested in an 800-watt oven.
To microwave an easy omelette for one, spray a large mug with oil. Add two medium eggs, two tablespoons of milk plus black pepper and chopped chives to taste. Whisk until well combined. Microwave on high power for 40 seconds. Stir well. Continue cooking for another 30 seconds or until just cooked. Top with two tablespoons of finely grated cheese.

Blueberry muffins in a mug

I used two smallish mugs measuring 8cm high by 7cm wide and holding about 1 cup. Serve with coffee or as a dessert.

Beetroot bites

These little gems are great for garnishing salads or desserts. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Lasagne in a mug

This is a great meal to enjoy while watching sport on TV. It can be accompanied by a crisp salad.

Microwave tandoori chicken.

I cooked the chicken on a crisping plate in my microwave oven. Alternatively, cook it in a large round shallow dish and sprinkle with black pepper before serving to give it a better colour. Tested in an 800 watt microwave oven.