Frozen vegetables

AttackThePoster

I've started to use these recently (Green Isle/Tesco) but it seems to take an eternity to 'cook' the damn things. Broken cooker has resulted in me using the microwave for the time being. I usually multiply the recommended cooking times by 2.5. And even at this, I find one that seems cooked but is actually cold.

I empty contents of bag into some tupperware, place lid on top but I don't close it. What's the dealio?

Iristxo

AttackThePoster wrote: »

I've started to use these recently (Green Isle/Tesco) but it seems to take an eternity to 'cook' the damn things. Broken cooker has resulted in me using the microwave for the time being. I usually multiply the recommended cooking times by 2.5. And even at this, I find one that seems cooked but is actually cold.

I empty contents of bag into some tupperware, place lid on top but I don't close it. What's the dealio?

I'm the same

cruizer101

Its just a guess but try put a bit of water in the tupperware container with them and sit lid on top, dont close it as don't want build up of pressure just want to keep most of steam in.

I'm guessing the steam from the water should help cook them quicker.

Khannie

cruizer101 wrote: »

I'm guessing the steam from the water should help cook them quicker.

Yep. This is the key. Only a very small amount of water is required. Minuscule even. You want it to heat up to steaming levels quickly.

AttackThePoster

Hmm, I think the bags say 3 tablespoons...too much?

Westwood

place veg in ceramic bowel cereal bowel etc and place saucer over. cook on full power for 3-4 mins then take out and empty water and toss veg over. put back in mic and nuke for another 4 mins. this is perfect for cauliflower broc etc. but for green beans and spinnage that are lighter decrease the times. id never use plastic in the microwave due to cancer risks and id never boil veg again due to loss of nutrients

AttackThePoster

Cancer risks? Link please.

Spanish Eyes

Steam them. It is the business, straight from frozen.

10 to 15 minutes or less and they keep their colour and some texture, and taste really fresh. Much nicer than nuked.

I keep saying a steamer is great for everything, but I don't think anyone is listening......

brianthebard

Hard to make mashed potatoes with a steamer though...

Spanish Eyes

brianthebard wrote: »

Hard to make mashed potatoes with a steamer though...

LOL!!

The thread is about frozen veg..... but you can cook spuds in the steamer, they taste great, not watery or anything. Then when they're ready, mash them with loads of milk and real butter.

But if you are cutting back on carbs you should only have this on your birthday!

dee_mc

I think the key is to stir your veg halfway through cooking time if you're microwaving; this should ensure they're evenly cooked. Don't forget to leave them to stand for a minute before testing them for doneness though, as they do continue cooking even after they're out of the microwave!
3 tablespoons of water sounds excessive- that is possibly only for cooking a whole bag at a time? If i'm cooking for only 2 or 3 people i tend to use only 1-2 tablespoons of water.
as for the reference to avoiding use of plastic containers in the microwave beacuse of possible cancer risk, there's some pretty convincing research suggesting that on heating, many plastics release dioxins (these are thought to be carcinogens); with this in mind i prefer to use pyrex and ceramic plates and bowls in the microwave. I would also avoid heating cling film (even so-called 'microwave safe cling film') for the same reason.
Hope that helps!