Most people only use their microwave to reheat and defrost food, but modern microwaves can do so much more such as crisp, grill and bake. Geoff Jansz has a recipe for meatloaf that makes use of recent innovations in microwaves.
Tip: Given that microwaves use equivalent levels of power to conventional ovens, but take less than half the time to cook, microwave meatloaf is great for when you want a very quick, home-cooked meal.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups beef mince
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup grated carrot
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons of cornflour
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tablespoons tomato sauce
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons of fresh mixed herbs or 2 teaspoons of dried herbs (parsley, thyme etc)
- Salt, ground pepper and paprika to taste
Method:
- Line the base of a pyrex or other suitable microwave-proof dish with baking paper. This makes it easier to slip out the cooked meatloaf.
- Combine the cornflour with the breadcrumbs. This helps to soak up any excess moisture in the recipe.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients with the meat and sauces. Fill the microwave-proof dish and level off the top.
- Meatloaf takes about one hour on medium heat in a conventional oven. In the microwave, it takes only 25 minutes on medium power. For a grilled top on the meatloaf, use the griller setting so that the microwave bakes and grills at the same time.
- After 25 minutes of cooking, turn off the microwave, and allow the recipe to cook under its own heat for a further 15 minutes. It is important to ‘rest’ microwave recipes, to ensure that they are completely cooked.
- This recipe serves 4 to 6 people. Present it sliced on a bed of fresh salad greens with tangy chilli sauce.
Microwaves
Geoff used a Whirlpool Microwave, Crisp Series VIP 27. However, there are many models that will perform similar bake/microwave/grill functions (such as Sharp Crisp & Bake) and others which will microwave and grill (such as the Sanyo Grill & Microwave). Prices range from $300 upwards.