How to Cook Vegetables in the Microwave

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Healthy eating can be difficult when resources and time are scarce. Luckily, your handy-dandy microwave will do all the work for you when it comes to cooking your vegetables. Just wash, dry, and microwave for a few minutes, and your veggies are ready to eat!

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    Of course, this will mean different things depending on the item. Generally speaking, small, even chunks is the way to go.
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    For safety reasons, bowls that do not heat up in the microwave are preferable (such as Pyrex glass bowls). However, any microwave-safe bowl used carefully with oven mitts should do the trick. [2]
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    Microwave cooking results in a texture much like steamed vegetables (which makes sense; microwave radiation excites water molecules in food, which increases temperature and results in water converting to steam). Heavy seasoning is rarely necessary because the vegetable retains much of its original flavor. A little bit of salt and pepper is sufficient; a pinch of spices or herbs will be more than enough.
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    Add about 3 tablespoons of water to the bowl for every pound of vegetable. [3] Generally, firmer vegetables such as beets or turnips will take longer to cook, whereas softer, moister vegetables such as broccoli take much less. Leafy greens such as spinach take very little time at all. Cook for approximately ½-2/3 the recommended time, then check each minute after with a wooden skewer. [4]
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  • Question
    Can I add oil to roast veggies?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Don't expect them to be crispy, though.
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  • Question
    Are vegetables less nutritious when cooked in the microwave?
    Community Answer
    No. A lot more nutrients are actually retained with this method of cooking than when boiling for example, where water-soluble vitamins are lost in the water. Microwave cooking is actually recommended for this reason.
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    How long should I cook potatoes in the microwave?
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    I would start with five minutes, then test it with a knife to see how soft it is, and then perhaps heat it in two minute increments after that.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-cook-corn-on-the-cob-in-the-microwave-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-205204
      2. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/tools-products/cookware-bakeware/food-containers-safe-for-microwave
      3. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-steam-broccoli-in-the-m-47176
      4. ↑ https://www.seriouseats.com/2017/07/how-to-steam-vegetables-in-the-microwave.html
      5. ↑ https://www.bettycrocker.com/how-to/tipslibrary/charts-timetables-measuring/fresh-vegetable-cooking-chart

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