College is often marked as the time of greasy pizza and Ramen, a time absent of an oven and therefore rampant with frozen dinners and takeout, but it does not have to be. As in most college environments, microwaves are allowed, and too often they are discredited as only a source of reheating food. Microwaves are powerful appliances, and can make some creations of their own with the proper creativity and skill. With the right recipes, microwave dinners can have a whole new meaning. Entire meals can be crafted behind that plastic and glass door, and with these recipes you will be ready to have friends over for dinner, even in your dorm room.
1. Microwave Omelet
They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so why not do it right? Omelets are a delicious breakfast full of protein that can jump start even the longest day of classes, and they can be made in a matter of minutes.
What you'll need: 2 eggs, cheese, lunch meat, any desired topping, a microwave safe bowl large enough to mix in, and a fork.
Start by cracking the two eggs and beating them together in the bowl with the fork. Continue to beat the eggs until well mixed, then add your desired toppings such as the cheese and lunch meats. Remove the fork, then place the bowl in the microwave. Cook the omelet for two minutes, then remove to check for done-ness. Depending on how well done you like your eggs, add additional cooking time in one minute intervals until you get the desired consistency. Once done, remove the bowl and enjoy your breakfast!
2. Microwave Breakfast Tacos
Since breakfast is so important, it is nice to have multiple options for the morning time. This recipe is for when you have around 10-15 extra minutes in the morning and you are craving a perfect breakfast full of protein and flavor.
What you'll need: 1 egg, milk OR water, cheese, lunch meat, mini tortillas, a microwave safe bowl for mixing, and a fork.
You will start out by making your eggs. Crack the egg into the bowl and add a small amount of milk (or water if you do not have milk, but milk does best). Mix well until the egg is entirely beaten and the milk mixed. Place in the microwave for one minute, then stir. Return to the microwave another minute, and again stir the mixture. Return to the microwave repeating the process until your eggs are cooked to your desired consistency. While the eggs are cooking lay out your tortillas and layer them with lunch meat and cheese as desired. Add the egg on top, then microwave for 30 seconds to melt the cheese. Take it out of the microwave, and enjoy your tacos!
3. BACON
This is not so much a recipe, as a helpful reminder that there are several companies that sell fully cooked bacon that can be microwaved. Bacon can be used as a side for the above items, used instead of the meats in the above items, or even placed on bread to make a BLT. There are many things you can make with bacon, and all from the inside of your microwave.
What you'll need: a package of fully cooked bacon, a microwave safe plate, and some paper towels.
Cooking bacon is for the most part self explanatory, but as a helpful tip, it might be a good idea to consider a paper plate to help soak up some of the grease. Use the paper towels to dab away any grease as well. Usually bacon will cook in a minute or so depending on the company, the microwave, and your preference of how well you want them cooked.
4. Rice
Now that we have established some breakfast options, here are some ideas to make lunch and dinner even better. Rice can be bought in a "boil in the bag" option that can be microwaved to perfection. Rice can be used as a side to your meal, or the main course.
What you'll need: rice "boil in the bag", butter (optional), soy sauce (optional), any steamed veggies or other desired seasonings, a large microwave safe bowl, and water.
Place the bag of rice into the bowl and fill with water. The rice will more than likely float some, so make sure that you press it under the water for a few seconds to allow saturation. Place the bowl in the microwave and cook for 10 minutes. Once the time is complete, very carefully remove the bowl, as the water is almost boiling. Carefully remove the bag from the bowl and pour out the excess water. Cut open the bag and pour the rice back in the bowl, then add butter, soy, or other seasonings. Cashews and other nuts also add a great texture to rice to help make it more of a meal.
5. Pasta
Another great dinner option is pasta. Despite not having a stove top, you can still have the pasta dishes you know and love. Spaghetti, alfredo, and everything in between is just a microwave away.
What you'll need: a bag/box of pasta, water, salt, a strainer, large microwave proof bowl, butter, and desired sauce.
The main thing to avoid with cooking pasta is allowing it to sit in the water without cooking for too long. To start out, fill the bowl with water, then pour the desired amount of pasta into the water. Add a pinch of salt, then place in the microwave immediately. Do not allow the pasta to sit in the water before placing it in the microwave. Cook in the microwave for ten minutes, then check for done-ness. Strain the excess water, and then return the pasta to the bowl. Add the butter and sauces as desired, and microwave again to heat the sauce as needed. Top with cheese, then enjoy your microwave pasta.
6. Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes do not always necessarily have to be baked. The name can be deceiving. You can make them as complex or simple as you want them, and they can be served as a side or the main dish.
What you'll need: One or two large potatoes, large microwave safe bowl, water, butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon/lunch meats (optional), and salt.
First, you will want to wash the potato. Make sure to spend some time on this step, as otherwise it will mess with the taste. Next, fill the bowl with water and place the potato inside. With a fork or knife poke holes in the side of the potato to prevent it from busting open. Place in the microwave and cook for 10-20 minutes depending on the size of your potato. To check for done-ness, poke the potato with a fork or knife and check how soft it is. Finally, split the potato open, and add all the toppings that you want. You now have a "baked" potato from your microwave.
Cooking can be one of the most enjoyable tasks of the day with enough practice. It can be a great way to test your creativity and also fill your belly. Only having a microwave does not have to be an excuse, in fact it can be a way to test your creativity.
