Cooking at Home

01Why you should love your microwave

You're home from a long day at work, and the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen preparing dinner. You glance at your microwave, but all you can think of is reheating leftovers or popping a bag of popcorn. But what if I told you that your microwave could do so much more? This is the central argument of David Chang and Priya Krishna's book "Cooking at Home: Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying About Recipes (And Love My Microwave): A Cookbook". Chang and Krishna's philosophy of home cooking is all about making the most of what you have at hand. They argue that the microwave, often relegated to the role of a reheating device, is actually a versatile and efficient tool for home cooking. Think of it like this: traditional cooking methods are like a symphony orchestra, each instrument playing its part to create a harmonious whole. The microwave, on the other hand, is like a one-man band, capable of playing all the parts simultaneously and with surprising efficiency. The authors' love for the microwave is evident in the myriad ways they suggest using it. From steaming vegetables to baking cakes, the microwave can do it all. For instance, they share a recipe for a microwave risotto that cuts the cooking time in half without compromising on the creamy texture and rich flavor of the dish. Using a microwave has several benefits. It's a time and energy-efficient way to cook, reducing the amount of heat generated in the kitchen. It also cuts down on the number of dishes used, making cleanup a breeze. Moreover, microwaving can maintain the nutritional value of food, as it cooks quickly and without the need for large amounts of water. Despite these advantages, there are many myths and misconceptions about microwaves. Some people believe that microwaving food makes it less healthy or that it's unsafe. However, Chang and Krishna debunk these myths, explaining that when used properly, the microwave is a safe and healthy cooking method. They emphasize that microwaving doesn't make food "radioactive" or deplete its nutrients any more than conventional cooking methods. The underestimation of the microwave as a cooking appliance is largely due to a lack of understanding and knowledge. Many people simply don't know what their microwave is capable of. Through their book, Chang and Krishna aim to change this perception and encourage home cooks to explore the full potential of their microwaves. So, the next time you're staring at your microwave, remember that it's not just for reheating leftovers or making popcorn. It's a versatile and efficient tool that can help you prepare delicious and nutritious meals with ease. So, stop worrying about recipes and start loving your microwave. After all, as Chang and Krishna show us, it's about making the most of what you have and enjoying the process of cooking at home.