How to use the microwave to cut preparation time in half? Tips that will change the way you cook on a daily basis

Before putting vegetables in the oven or frying pan, you can partially cook them in the microwave. This drastically reduces the final cooking time.

How to do it:

• Cut the vegetables into small pieces.
• Place them in a glass container with a little water and cover (you can use plastic wrap or a lid).
• Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the type of vegetable.

Ideal for potatoes, zucchini, carrots, broccoli and cauliflower.

Microwaves are excellent for melting delicate ingredients with more control than on the stove, as long as they are used on a low power setting.

Golden tip: Use short intervals of 20 seconds, stirring in between. This prevents burning or overcooking - especially chocolate.

Need to use meat and forgot to defrost it? The microwave saves you.

How to prevent it from cooking on the edges:

• Use the "defrost" by weight function, if your appliance has one.
• Pause every 30 seconds to turn the meat.
• Wrap in damp paper towels to keep it moist.

Bonus: some tough cuts can be made softer by lightly cooking them in the microwave with a little water and a lid.

You can pre-cook pasta such as lasagna, gnocchi and even baked rice in the microwave before putting it in the traditional oven, reducing the overall time of the recipe.

Example:

• Put the pasta with a little water and sauce in the microwave for 3 to 4 minutes.
• Then assemble it and put it in the oven for less time - just to brown.

• Squeezing a lemon or orange? Microwave the fruit for 15 seconds: it yields more juice.
• Soften hard brown sugar? Put it in a closed jar with a piece of apple or damp paper towel for 30 seconds.
• Leaven bread faster? Heat a glass of water in the microwave for 2 minutes, place the dough inside (off!) and use the steam as an oven.