Healthy Happy Microwave Meals for Winter

Three microwave recipes to make winter a tastier experience

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, 08 June 2019 – Some call it winter and others call it the season of comfort food. There are a few combinations that work well together and of course the guilt that goes with it. However, this winter you can effortlessly satisfy your craving for tasty dishes but choose a healthier twist. And because you’d rather spend time under a blanket on the couch or under a duvet you can harness the power of the microwave to whip up healthy, delicious meals in no time.

“The microwave is an incredible example of human-centred technology and it makes everyone’s life a little tranquil. The Samsung Hotblast™ for example, has revolutionary functions, which are tailor-made to help you do what you can’t, “says Tracy Gordon, Head of Product Marketing – Home Appliances at Samsung South Africa.

Here are few examples of wholesome, healthy food made to be enjoyed in no time:

Microwave Butternut Squash Risotto | Serves 4

This easy risotto is a good source of vitamin C, counts as one of your 5-a-day and it’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients
250g risotto rice
700ml hot vegetable stock
1 medium butternut squash
Big handful grated parmesan (or vegetarian alternative)
Extra handful sage leaves, roughly chopped

Method

Tip the rice into a large bowl, then add 500ml of the hot vegetable stock. Cover with cling film and microwave on High for 5 mins. Meanwhile, peel and cut the squash into medium chunks. Stir the rice, then add the squash and the rest of the stock. Re-cover with cling film, then microwave for another 15 mins, stirring halfway, until almost all the stock is absorbed and the rice and squash are tender. Leave the risotto to sit for 2 mins, then stir in the parmesan and sage. Serve topped with more grated cheese.

Easy Sweet & Sour Chicken | Serves 4

This easy sweet and sour chicken will be a hit with everyone and whipped up in half an hour.

Ingredients
9 tbsp tomato ketchup
3 tbsp malt vinegar
4 tbsp dark muscovado sugar
2 garlic cloves, crushed
4 skinless and boneless chicken breast, cut into chunks
1 small onion, roughly chopped
2 red peppers, seeded and cut into chunks
227g 8oz can pineapple pieces in juice, drained
100g sugar snap peas, roughly sliced
Handful salted, roasted cashew nuts (optional)

Method

In a large microwaveable dish, mix the ketchup, vinegar, sugar and garlic thoroughly with the chicken, onion and peppers. Microwave, uncovered, on High for 8-10 minutes until the chicken is starting to cook and the sauce is sizzling. Stir in the pineapple pieces and sugar snap peas and return to the microwave for another 3-5 minutes until the chicken is completely cooked. Leave to stand for a few minutes, then stir in the cashews, if you’re using it and serve.

Microwave Banana Pudding | Serves 4-6

This dessert is tasty, filled with the goodness of bananas and only takes 20 minutes to make.

Ingredients
100g butter, softened, plus extra for greasing
2 ripe bananas
100g light muscovado sugar
100g self-rising flour
2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 eggs
2 tbsp milk
Icing sugar, toffee sauce and ice cream, to serve

Method

Put the butter in a 1-litre baking dish and microwave on High for 30 secs-1 min until melted. Add 1½ bananas, mash into the melted butter, then add the sugar, flour, cinnamon, eggs and milk. Mix together well. Slice the remaining banana over the top, then return to the microwave and cook on High for 8 mins until cooked through and risen. Serve warm, dusted with icing sugar, if you like, with a drizzle of toffee sauce and a scoop of ice cream.

There you have it. A few good reasons to embrace winter and your microwave and if you’re looking for a microwave that does the job even better than you expect trust the Samsung Hotblast™. It’s simple to cook entire meals deliciously and in no time. The HotBlast™ has multiple air holes blowing out powerful hot air, which reduces cooking time. The SLIM FRY™ technology ensures that your food is perfectly crisp on the outside and delicious and juicy on the inside. Additionally, this versatile microwave has a wider grill, making it easier to brown food fast and evenly. The turntable is wider, measuring 345mm, making it easier to prepare bigger portions of food. And with its ECO Mode power it significantly reduces energy consumption with its low standby power. The HotBlast™ is a must-have for every kitchen. Its intelligent features and stylish design makes it indispensable, no matter which way you use it or what season.

Recipes sourced from:

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/3005/microwave-butternut-squash-risotto

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/1472/easy-sweet-and-sour-chicken

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/408657/microwave-banana-pudding