Most people have some sort of a love-hate relationship with pasta. On one hand, it is healthy, versatile, and absolutely delicious. On the other hand, it can be very time-consuming to make, and some people might consider it a waste of food. Truth to be said, microwaving pasta can solve almost all of these problems. This article will tell you how.
Health Benefits Of Microwaving Pasta
Pasta is among the top 10 foods that provide maximum nutrition for human beings. It is also high in fiber, which means that it helps regulate digestion and blood sugar levels. Additionally, the microwave heating method results in less food-borne illnesses compared to other cooking methods, due to the short time that the food spends in contact with high-heat surroundings.
A Great Tool For Some Main Dishes, As Well As Side Dishes
Microwaving pasta is often a convenient and fast way to heat up leftovers from a previous meal. You can prepare small portions of pasta to serve with a green salad for a light meal, or cook a huge batch to have with some pasta and garlic bread for a quick mid-day meal.
If you are looking for an easy way to heat up some frozen fries or chicken nuggets for your children, this is the perfect solution. You can use a microwave to quickly and efficiently heat food, without having to worry about over or undercooking it.
Taste Is Important
The key to microwaving pasta successfully is to follow several important tips. The first step is to learn how to properly thaw frozen pasta. There are several tricks to helping food thaw faster in the microwave, but nothing replaces the good old-fashioned method of bringing the food to room temperature slowly.
The next step is to keep an eye on the food as it cooks. It is often difficult to estimate how much time something will take in the microwave, so you will need to keep either a timer or an oven thermometer nearby to ensure that the food is cooked properly. You should not prepare food without first ensuring that all vegetables and other non-pasta foods are cut into small, even bites, as cubes or strips tend to become overly mushy when microwaved. Last but not least, always drain and rinse your pasta before cooking.
How To Microwave Pasta
The key to preparing pasta successfully in the microwave is to follow several tips. The first step is to thaw the frozen pasta. You should not try to defrost solidified pasta in the microwave, as you may end up overcooking it. There are several tips to helping food thaw faster in the microwave, but nothing replaces the good old-fashioned method of bringing the food to room temperature slowly.
When you are ready to cook the pasta, drain and rinse it thoroughly before placing it in a microwave-safe bowl. Cut any large pieces of pasta into smaller ones, as they will break down during the cooking process and create a more substantial texture. Add some pasta water to the bowl to create a quick, easy to cook paste. This is an important step, as the water helps create a tender texture in the pasta.
Now, cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and set the microwave to high. Check the food after one minute, then remove the lid or plastic wrap and stir the pasta. If the pasta is not tender at this point, return it to the microwave and cook for an additional minute. Repeat this process until the pasta reaches your desired tenderness. Add more water as needed during the process, but be careful not to mix water and oil, as this may result in greasy foods.
Tips For Microwaving Pasta
Aside from the tips mentioned above, there are some additional things that you should keep in mind when microwaving pasta. Always keep a look out for signs of doneness, as this will help determine when the food is done. The pasta should be slightly wet inside, with only a hint of dryness, otherwise, it can become overly dry. The texture should be similar to that of al dente pasta, which is halfway between completely cooked and raw. Once you have mastered the art of microwaving pasta, you can prepare all sorts of dishes, including those that require you to cook the food outdoors in the presence of the sun’s rays.