Microwave ovens provide fast and convenient cooking for all kinds of vegetarian dishes. Though ovens vary in size and heating power, all models will effectively cook or reheat vegetarian foods, from frozen TV dinners to homemade stews, casseroles, pasta, pastries and desserts. Plan on experimenting with heat levels and cooking times when you begin microwaving vegetarian foods to familiarize yourself with your oven's settings.
Wattages
Your owner's manual should indicate your oven's wattage, which is the amount of power used to heat food. Most microwave recipe cooking times--including those for vegetarian recipes--are based on a 700-watt oven, according to "Microwave Cooking for One" by Marie T. Smith. If you have a lower-watt oven, you may need to cook foods longer than the recipe suggests; higher wattage ovens cook faster.
Supplies and Safety
Always use microwave-safe plates or bowls to cook vegetarian foods, and never put any metal or aluminum foil in a microwave. Cover foods with plastic wrap to prevent splattering. Paper towels are handy for steaming foods or absorbing grease from higher-fat dishes. When you remove hot dishes from the oven, potholders or dishtowels will protect your hands.
Preparation
Vegetarian foods, especially those that are low in fat, can easily overcook or get too dry in a powerful microwave. Cover foods with plastic wrap to retain moisture and poke holes in the plastic to allow steam to escape. Place tortillas, pita pockets or other breads between two paper towels to gently heat them. Cook vegetarian "meats" like soy bacon or sausages on a paper towel-covered plate to absorb drippings.
Cooking Foods
Because cooking times vary according to the oven's brand or size, begin cooking your meal on a moderate heat setting for the minimum time recommended by your recipe. When the timer sounds, carefully peel back the plastic wrap or other covering and test whether the food is ready or needs further cooking. If your oven does not have a rotating carousel, stop the cooking process halfway through and turn the dish around to ensure even cooking.
Reheating Foods
Before reheating vegetarian dishes, place the food in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely with plastic wrap or a paper towel. Your goal is to heat the food thoroughly without further cooking it, so estimate the least amount of time it will take to warm the meal. Halfway through the process, stir the food to encourage even heating. Use the labeled buttons with preset heating times for different dishes if your oven features them.
References
- "The Essential Vegetarian Cookbook"; Diana Shaw; 1997
- "The 'Vegetarian Times' Complete Cookbook"; editors of "Vegetarian Times"; 1995
- Microwave Cooking for One: What Wattage Is My Microwave Oven?
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