IFB Microwave Cookbook by Nita Mehta: How to Cook Delicious Dishes in Minutes
IFB Microwave Cookbook by Nita Mehta: A Review
If you are looking for a comprehensive guide to microwave cooking, you might want to check out IFB Microwave Cookbook by Nita Mehta. This book is a collection of 100 delicious and easy recipes that you can make using your IFB microwave oven. Whether you want to whip up a quick snack, a hearty meal, or a decadent dessert, this book has something for everyone. In this article, we will review the book and tell you why it is worth buying.
ifb microwave cookbook by nita mehta
Who is Nita Mehta?
Nita Mehta is a renowned chef, author, and entrepreneur who has won several international awards for her culinary skills. She has authored more than 600 books on various cuisines, health, and nutrition. She also runs a successful cookery school and a food products company. She is known for her simple and innovative recipes that appeal to both Indian and global palates.
What is IFB Microwave Cookbook?
Features of the book
IFB Microwave Cookbook is a special edition book that was created in collaboration with IFB, one of the leading brands of microwave ovens in India. The book contains 100 recipes that are specially designed for microwave cooking. The recipes cover a wide range of cuisines, from Indian to Continental, from vegetarian to non-vegetarian, from starters to desserts. The book also includes some exotic dishes such as Thai curry, Mexican enchiladas, and Italian lasagna.
The book has several features that make it user-friendly and informative. Some of them are:
The recipes are categorized into four sections: Snacks & Starters, Main Course, Desserts & Beverages, and Miscellaneous.
The recipes are accompanied by clear and colorful photographs that show the final outcome.
The recipes have detailed instructions that explain the steps, ingredients, quantities, timings, and settings for microwave cooking.
The recipes have nutritional information that shows the calories, protein, fat, carbohydrate, and fiber content per serving.
The recipes have tips and variations that suggest alternative ingredients or methods for different tastes or preferences.
Benefits of the book
IFB Microwave Cookbook is not just a recipe book, but also a guide to microwave cooking. It has several benefits that make it a valuable addition to your kitchen library. Some of them are:
The book helps you save time and energy by using your microwave oven for cooking various dishes.
The book helps you save money by using ingredients that are easily available and affordable.
The book helps you eat healthy by using less oil and retaining more nutrients in your food.
The book helps you experiment with different cuisines and dishes that you might not have tried before.
The book helps you impress your family and friends with your culinary skills and creativity.
How to use IFB Microwave Cookbook?
Tips and tricks for microwave cooking
Microwave cooking is different from conventional cooking in many ways. To get the best results from your microwave oven, you need to follow some tips and tricks that are given in the book. Some of them are:
Always use microwave-safe utensils such as glass, ceramic, or plastic. Avoid metal utensils as they can cause sparks or damage your oven.
Always cover your food with a lid or a cling film to prevent splattering and retain moisture.
Always stir or rotate your food halfway through the cooking time to ensure even heating and avoid hot spots.
Always adjust the power level and cooking time according to the quantity and type of food. Refer to the manual or the recipe for guidance.
Always let your food stand for a few minutes after cooking to allow it to finish cooking and settle down.
Sample recipes from the book
To give you a taste of what the book has to offer, here are some sample recipes from the book that you can try at home:
Cheese Corn Balls
A crispy and cheesy snack that is perfect for parties or evening snacks.
IngredientsQuantity
Corn kernels (boiled)1 cup
Potatoes (boiled & mashed)1 cup
Cheese (grated)½ cup
Bread crumbs¼ cup + for coatingCorn flour2 tbspSaltTo tasteBlack pepper powder¼ tspOregano¼ tspOil sprayAs neededMint chutney or tomato ketchupFor serving
Method:
In a bowl, mix corn kernels, potatoes, cheese, bread crumbs, corn flour, salt, pepper, and oregano well.
Shape the mixture into small balls and coat them with bread crumbs.
Place them on a greased microwave-safe plate and spray some oil on them.
Microwave on high power for 4 minutes or until golden and crisp.
Serve hot with mint chutney or tomato ketchup.
Mushroom Pulao
A simple and flavorful rice dish that can be made in minutes using your microwave oven.
IngredientsQuantityRice (washed & soaked)1 ½ cupsMushrooms (sliced)1 cupOnion (chopped)½ cupGinger-garlic paste1 tsp</tr Lasagna
A classic Italian dish that can be easily made in your microwave oven with a few ingredients.
IngredientsQuantityNo-bake lasagna noodles9Ground beef500 gOnion (chopped)¼ cupGarlic (minced)2 clovesSaltTo tasteBlack pepper powderTo tasteOregano½ tspMarinara sauce2 cupsRicotta cheese1 cupMozzarella cheese (shredded)1 ½ cupsParmesan cheese (grated)¼ cupParsley (chopped)2 tbsp
Method:
In a microwave-safe bowl, cook the beef, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper on high for 5 minutes, stirring once, or until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain the excess fat.
Stir in the marinara sauce and oregano and microwave for 2 minutes or until heated through.
In a small bowl, whisk the ricotta cheese and egg until smooth.
In a 9x13 inch microwave-safe baking dish, spread ¼ cup of the meat sauce evenly.
Arrange 3 noodles over the sauce, breaking them as needed to fit.
Spoon half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles and spread evenly.
Sprinkle ½ cup of mozzarella cheese and 2 tablespoons of parmesan cheese over the ricotta layer.
Repeat with another ¼ cup of meat sauce, 3 noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, ½ cup of mozzarella cheese, and 2 tablespoons of parmesan cheese.
Top with the remaining meat sauce and sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese.
Cover with wax paper and microwave on high for 15 to 18 minutes or until the noodles are tender and the cheese is melted.
Let the lasagna stand for 10 minutes before sprinkling with parsley and cutting into pieces.
Chocolate Cake
A moist and decadent cake that can be made in a single bowl in your microwave oven in less than 15 minutes.
IngredientsQuantityAll-purpose flour1 ½ cupsSugar1 cupCocoa powder¼ cupBaking powder1 tspWater½ cupOil¼ cupEgg1Chocolate chips (optional)¼ cupFor the chocolate ganacheDark chocolate chips1 cupWhipping cream½ cupButter1 tbsp
Method:
In a large microwave-safe bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
Add the water, oil, and egg and mix well until smooth. Stir in the chocolate chips if using.
Microwave on high for 5 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool slightly in the bowl before transferring to a serving plate.
For the chocolate ganache, place the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 1 minute or until soft.
In another microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup, heat the cream on high for 2 minutes or until just starting to simmer.
Pour the hot cream over the softened chocolate chips and let sit for 2 minutes. Do not stir.
Whisk the chocolate and cream mixture until smooth and glossy. Stir in the butter for extra shine.
Pour the ganache over the cake and spread evenly with a spatula.
Cut into slices and enjoy!
Conclusion
IFB Microwave Cookbook by Nita Mehta is a great book for anyone who wants to make delicious and healthy dishes using their microwave oven. The book has 100 recipes that cover various cuisines and occasions. The book also has helpful features such as photographs, instructions, nutritional information, tips, and variations. The book is easy to follow and use, and the results are amazing. You can buy the book online or offline from various sources. If you love microwave cooking or want to try something new, this book is for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some other books by Nita Mehta?
Nita Mehta has written many books on different topics such as Indian cuisine, international cuisine, health and nutrition, baking, desserts, snacks, soups, salads, and more. Some of her popular books are Nita Mehta's Paneer Recipes, Nita Mehta's Chinese Cooking, Nita Mehta's Soups & Salads Vegetarian Cookbook, Nita Mehta's Baking Recipes, Nita Mehta's Eggless Desserts Cookbook, and Nita Mehta's Snacks & Starters Vegetarian Cookbook.
What are some other benefits of microwave cooking?
Microwave cooking has many benefits besides saving time and energy. Some of them are:
Microwave cooking preserves more vitamins and minerals in your food than boiling or frying.
Microwave cooking reduces the risk of burning or overcooking your food.
Microwave cooking eliminates the need for excess oil or fat in your food.
Microwave cooking reduces the amount of dishes and utensils you need to wash.
Microwave cooking makes it easy to reheat leftovers or frozen meals.
What are some tips to make microwave cooking safer?
Microwave cooking is generally safe if you follow some basic precautions. Some of them are:
Always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for your microwave oven.
Always use microwave-safe utensils and containers. Avoid metal, foil, or plastic that can melt or catch fire.
Always pierce or cut foods that have skins or membranes to prevent them from bursting or exploding.
Always wear oven mitts or gloves when handling hot foods or containers from the microwave oven.
Always check the temperature of your food before eating or serving it. Use a food thermometer if necessary.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when using a microwave oven?
Microwave ovens are convenient and easy to use, but they can also cause some problems if you are not careful. Some of the common mistakes to avoid are:
Cooking food for too long or too short. This can result in dry, tough, rubbery, or undercooked food.
Cooking food at too high or too low power level. This can result in uneven heating, hot spots, cold spots, or overcooking.
Cooking food without stirring or rotating it. This can result in uneven heating, hot spots, cold spots, or overcooking.
Cooking food without covering it. This can result in splattering, drying out, or losing flavor.
Cooking food that is too large or too small for your microwave oven. This can result in uneven heating, hot spots, cold spots, or overcooking.
How can I make my microwave oven last longer?
Microwave ovens are durable and reliable appliances that can last for many years if you take good care of them. Some of the ways to make your microwave oven last longer are:
Clean your microwave oven regularly. Wipe off any spills or stains with a damp cloth or sponge. Use mild soap or vinegar if needed. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads that can scratch or damage your oven.
Maintain your microwave oven properly. Check for any loose parts or wires that may need repair or replacement. Replace any worn out or damaged components as soon as possible.
Use your microwave oven correctly. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for your oven model. Use only microwave-safe utensils and containers. Avoid overloading or overheating your oven.
Protect your microwave oven from power surges. Use a surge protector or an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to prevent damage from voltage fluctuations or power outages.