AEG MC1761EM User Manual
MC1751E / MC1761E
Microwave oven
Operating instructions
PERFEKT IN FORM UND FUNKTION
Dear Customer,
Thank you for buying an AEG microwave oven and putting your trust in the
AEG brand name.
Before using your AEG microwave oven for the first time, please read the
instruction book thoroughly. This will enable you to take advantage of all the
features that the appliance offers. It will also ensure trouble-free operation
and minimize unnecessary service calls.
Important information concerning your safety or the operation of your
appliance is noted by this symbol and/or mentions words such as «Warning»,
«Take care». Be sure to follow all instructions carefully.
Throughout the manual, this symbol guides you step by step when operating
the appliance.
This symbol indicates further information concerning the use of the
appliance.
The clover indicates energy-saving tips and hints for environmentally friendly
use of your appliance.
In the event of malfunctioning, please follow the instructions given in the
section «What to do if...»
B
Contents
Important safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 - 3
Oven & accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Control panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Before operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Setting the clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
What are microwaves? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Suitable ovenware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Tips & advice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 - 10
Microwave power levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Manual operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Other convenient functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 - 13
Automatic operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Automatic charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 - 16
Recipes for automatic AC-6 & AC-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Cooking charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 - 20
Recipes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 - 24
Care & cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
What to do if... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Service & spare parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Customer care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Guarantee conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Important information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 - 30
1
Important safety instructions
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS: READ CAREFULLY AND KEEP FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
To avoid the danger of fire.
The microwave oven should not be left unattended
during operation. Power levels that are too high,
or cooking times that are too long, may overheat
foods resulting in a fire.
The electrical outlet must be readily accessible so that
the unit can be unplugged easily in an emergency.
Do not store or use the oven outdoors.
If food being heated begins to smoke, DO NOT
OPEN THE DOOR. Turn off and unplug the oven
and wait until the food has stopped smoking.
Opening the door while food is smoking may cause
a fire.
Only use microwave-safe containers and utensils.
See Page 7.
Do not leave the oven unattended when using
disposable plastic, paper or other combustible food
containers.
Clean the waveguide cover, the oven cavity, the
turntable and turntable support after use. These
must be dry and free from grease. Built-up grease
may overheat and begin to smoke or catch fire.
Do not place flammable materials near the oven or
ventilation openings. Do not block the ventilation
openings.
Remove all metallic seals, wire twists, etc., from food
and food packages. Arcing on metallic surfaces may
cause a fire.
Do not use the microwave oven to heat oil for deep
frying. The temperature cannot be controlled and the
oil may catch fire.
To make popcorn, only use special microwave popcorn
makers.
Do not store food or any other items inside the oven.
Check the settings after you start the oven to ensure
the oven is operating as desired.
See the corresponding hints in operation manual.
2
To avoid the possibility of injury
WARNING:
Do not operate the oven if it is damaged or
malfunctioning. Check the following before use:
a) The door; make sure the door closes properly and
ensure it is not misaligned or warped.
b) The hinges and safety door latches; check to make
sure they are not broken or loose.
c) The door seals and sealing surfaces; ensure that
they have not been damaged.
d) Inside the oven cavity or on the door; make sure
there are no dents.
e) The power supply cord and plug; ensure that they
are not damaged.
Never adjust , repair or modify the oven yourself.
It is hazardous for anyone other than a competent
person to carry out any service or repair operation
which involves the removal of a cover which gives
protection against exposure to microwave energy.
Do not operate the oven with the door open or alter
the door safety latches in any way.
Do not operate the oven if there is an object between
the door seals and sealing surfaces.
Do not allow grease or dirt to build up on the door
seals and adjacent parts. Follow instructions for
“Care and Cleaning”, Page 25. Failure to maintain
the oven in a clean condition could lead to a
deterioration of the surface that could adversely
affect the life of the appliance and possibly result
in a hazardous situation.
Individuals with PACEMAKERS should check with their
doctor or the manufacturer of the pacemaker for
precautions regarding microwave ovens.
To avoid the possibility of electric shock
Under no circumstances should you remove the outer
cabinet.
Never spill or insert any objects into the door lock
openings or ventilation openings. In the event of a spill,
turn off and unplug the oven immediately and call your
local Service Force Centre.
Do not immerse the power supply cord or plug in water
or any other liquid.
Do not allow the power supply cord to run over any hot
or sharp surfaces, such as the hot air vent area at the
top rear of the oven.
Do not attempt to replace the oven lamp yourself or
allow anyone who is not authorised by Service Force to
do so. If the oven lamp fails, please consult your dealer
or contact your local Service Force Centre.
If the power supply cord of this appliance is damaged,
it must be replaced with a special cord. The exchange
must be made by an authorised Service Force
technician.
Important safety instructions
To avoid the possibility of explosion and sudden
boiling:
WARNING: Liquids and other foods must not be
heated in sealed containers since they are liable to
explode.
Never use sealed containers. Remove seals and lids
before use. Sealed containers can explode due to a build
up of pressure even after the oven has been turned off.
Take care when microwaving liquids. Use a widemouthed container to allow bubbles to escape.
Microwave heating of beverages can result in
delayed eruptive boiling, therefore care has to be
taken when handling the container.
To prevent sudden eruption of boiling liquid and
possible scalding:
1. Stir liquid prior to heating/reheating.
2. It is advisable to insert a glass rod or similar utensil
into the liquid whilst reheating.
3. Let liquid stand in the oven at the end of cooking
time to prevent delayed eruptive boiling.
Do not cook eggs in their shells, and whole hard
boiled eggs should not be heated in microwave
ovens since they may explode even after
microwave cooking has ended. To cook or reheat
eggs which have not been scrambled or mixed,
pierce the yolks and the whites, or the eggs may
explode. Shell and slice hard boiled eggs before
reheating them in the microwave oven.
Pierce the skin of such foods as potatoes, sausages and
fruit before cooking, or they may explode.
To avoid the possibility of burns
Use pot holders or oven gloves when removing food
from the oven to prevent burns.
Always open containers, popcorn makers, oven cooking
bags, etc., away from the face and hands to avoid
steam burns.
To avoid burns, always test food temperature and
stir before serving and pay special attention to the
temperature of food and drink given to babies,
children or the elderly.
Temperature of the container is not a true indication of
the temperature of the food or drink; always check the
food temperature.
Always stand back from the oven door when opening it
to avoid burns from escaping steam and heat.
Slice stuffed baked foods after heating to release steam
and avoid burns.
Keep children away from the door to prevent them
burning themselves.
To avoid misuse by children
Warning: Only allow children to use the oven
without supervision when adequate instructions
have been given so that the child is able to use the
oven in a safe way and understands the hazards of
improper use.
Do not lean or swing on the oven door. Do not play
with the oven or use it as a toy.
Children should be taught all important safety
instructions: use of pot holders, careful removal of food
coverings; paying special attention to packaging (e.g.
self-heating materials) designed to make food crisp, as
they may be extra hot.
Other warnings
Never modify the oven in any way.
This oven is for home food preparation only and may
only be used for cooking food. It is not suitable for
commercial or laboratory use.
To promote trouble-free use of your oven and avoid
damage.
Never operate the oven when it is empty.
When using a browning dish or self-heating material,
always place a heat-resistant insulator such as a
porcelain plate under it to prevent damage to the
turntable and turntable support due to heat stress. The
preheating time specified in the dishes instructions
must not be exceeded.
Do not use metal utensils, which reflect microwaves and
may cause electrical arcing. Do not put cans in the oven.
Only use the turntable and the turntable support
designed for this oven. Do not operate the oven
without the turntable.
To prevent the turntable from breaking:
(a) Before cleaning the turntable with water, leave the
turntable to cool.
(b) Do not put hot foods or hot utensils on a cold
turntable.
(c) Do not put cold foods or cold utensils on a hot
turntable.
Do not place anything on the outer cabinet during
operation.
NOTE:
If you are unsure how to connect your oven, please
consult an authorised, qualified electrician.
Neither the manufacturer nor the dealer can accept
any liability for damage to the oven or personal injury
resulting from failure to observe the correct electrical
connection procedure.
Water vapour or drops may occasionally form on the
oven walls or around the door seals and sealing
surfaces. This is a normal occurrence and is not an
indication of microwave leakage or a malfunction.
3
Oven & accessories
1
2
3
4
1. Front trim
2. Oven lamp
3. Control panel
4. Door opening button
5. Waveguide cover
6. Oven cavity
7. Seal packing
8. Door seals and sealing surfaces
9. Fixing points (4 points)
10. Ventilation openings
11. Outer cover
12. Rear cabinet
13. Power supply cord support clip
14. Power supply cord
ACCESSORIES:
Check to make sure the following accessories are
provided:
(15) Turntable (16) Turntable support
(17) 4 fixing screws (not shown).
• Place the turntable support in the seal packing on
the floor of the cavity.
• Then place the turntable on the turntable support.
•To avoid turntable damage, ensure dishes or
containers are lifted clear of the turntable rim when
removing them from the oven.
NOTE: When you order accessories, please mention two
items: part name and model name to your dealer or
local Service Force Centre.
14
13
78
56
9
10
11
12
15
16
4
Control panel
1 Digital Display
2 Indicators
The appropriate indicator will flash or light up, just
1
2
3
4
above each symbol according to the instruction.
When an indicator is flashing, press the appropriate
button (having the same symbol) or carry out the
necessary operation.
Stir
Turn over
Weight
Microwave power level
Cooking in progress
3 TIMER/WEIGHT knob
4 MICROWAVE POWER LEVEL button
5 AUTOMATIC PROGRAMMES button
Press to select one of the 12 automatic programmes.
6START/QUICK button
7STOPbutton
8 DOOR OPEN button
5
6
7
8
5
Before operation
Plug in the oven.
1. The oven display will flash:
2. Touch the STOP button the display will show:
x1
To set the clock, see below.
Using the Stop button
Use the STOP button to:
1. Erase a mistake during programming.
2. Stop the oven temporarily during cooking.
3. Cancel a programme during cooking, touch twice.
Setting the clock
There are two setting modes: 12 hour clock and 24 hour clock.
1. To set the 12 hour clock, hold the MICROWAVE POWER LEVEL button down for 3
seconds. will appear in the display.
2. To set the 24 hour clock, press the MICROWAVE POWER LEVEL button once more
after Step 1, in the example below will appear in the display.
To set the clock, follow the example below.
Example: To set the 24 hour clock to 23:35.
1. Choose the clock
function. (12 hour
clock)
Choose the 24 hour
clock.
2. Set the hours.
Rotate the TIMER/WEIGHT
knob until the correct hour is
displayed (23).
x1 and hold for
3 secs.
3. Press the MICROWAVE
POWER LEVEL button
to change from hours
to minutes.
x1and hold for 3
secs.
4. Set the minutes. Rotate the
TIMER/WEIGHT knob until the
correct minute is displayed (35).
NOTE:
1. You can rotate the TIMER/WEIGHT knob clockwise
or counter-clockwise.
2. Press the STOP button if you make a mistake during
programming.
3. If the electrical power supply to your microwave
oven is interrupted, the display will intermittently
6
5. Press the MICROWAVE POWER
x1 x1
LEVEL button to start the clock.
Check the display.
x1
show after the power is reinstated. If this
occurs during cooking, the programme will be
erased. The time of day will also be erased.
4. When you want to reset the time of day, follow the
above example again.
What are microwaves?
Microwaves are generated in the microwave oven by a magnetron and cause the water molecules in the food to
oscillate. Heat is generated by the friction which is caused, with the result that the food is thawed, heated or cooked.
Suitable ovenware
Glass & ceramic glass
Heat-resistant glass utensils are very
suitable. The cooking process can be
observed from all sides. They must not,
however, contain any metal (e.g. lead
crystal), nor have a metallic overlay
(e.g. gold edge, cobalt blue finish).
Ceramics
Generally very suitable. Ceramics must be glazed, since
with unglazed ceramics moisture can get into the
ceramic. Moisture causes the material to heat up and
may make it shatter. If you are not certain whether
your utensil is suitable for the microwave, carry out the
utensil suitability test.
Porcelain
Very suitable. Ensure that the porcelain does not have a
gold or silver overlay and that it does not contain any
metal.
Plastic & paper utensils
Heat resistant plastic utensils which are suitable for use
in the microwave can be used to thaw, heat and cook
food. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
Heat-resistant paper made for use in a microwave oven
is also suitable. Follow the manufacturer's
recommendations.
Kitchen paper
can be used to absorb any moisture which occurs in
short heating methods, e.g. of bread or products in
bread crumbs. Insert the paper between the food and
the revolving plate. The surface of the food will stay
crispy and dry. Covering greasy food with kitchen paper
will catch splashes.
Microwave cling film
This, or heat-resistant film, is very suitable for covering
or wrapping. Please follow the manufacturer's
recommendations.
Roasting bags
Can be used in a microwave oven. Metal clips are not
suitable for fastening them since the roasting bag foil
might melt. Fasten the roasting bag with string and pierce
it several times with a fork. Non heat-resistant food wraps
are not recommended for use in a microwave oven.
Browning dish
A special microwave dish made from ceramic glass with
a metal alloy base, which allows food to be browned.
When using the browning dish a suitable insulator, e.g.
a porcelain plate, must be placed between the turntable
and the browning dish. Be careful to adhere exactly to
the pre-heating time given in the manufacturer's
instructions. Excessive pre-heating can damage the
turntable and the turntable stand or can trigger the
safety-device which will switch off the oven.
Metal
Generally speaking, metal should not be used, since
microwaves do not pass through metal and therefore
cannot reach the food. There are, however, exceptions:
small strips of aluminium foil may be used to cover
certain parts of the food, so that these do not thaw too
quickly or begin to cook (e.g. chicken wings). Small
metal skewers and aluminium containers (e.g. of readycooked meals) can be used. They must, however, be
small in relation to the food, e.g. aluminium containers
must be at least 2/3 to 3/4 filled with food. It is
recommended that you transfer the food into a dish
suitable for use in the microwave. When using
aluminium containers or other metal utensils there
must be a gap of approx. 2 cms between them and the
walls of the cooking area, otherwise the walls could be
damaged by possible arcing.
No utensil should have a metal overlay - parts such
as screws, bands or handles.
Utensil suitability test
If you are not sure whether your
utensil is suitable for use in your
microwave oven, carry out the
following test: Place the utensil into
the oven. Place a glass container filled
with 150 ml of water on or next to the utensil. Switch
on the oven at 800 W power for 1 to 2 minutes. If the
utensil stays cool or just warm to the touch, it is
suitable. Do not use this test on a plastic utensil. It
could melt.
7
Tips & advice
Time settings
In general the thawing, heating and cooking times are
significantly shorter than when using a conventional
cooker or oven. For this reason you should adhere to
the recommended times given in this book. It is better
to set the times too short, rather than too long. Test the
food after it has been cooked. It is better to have to
cook something for a little longer than to overcook it.
Initial temperatures
Thawing, heating and cooking times are dependent
upon the initial temperature of the food. Deep-frozen
food and food stored in a refrigerator, for example,
requires longer than food which has been stored at
room temperature.
For heating and cooking, normal storage temperatures
are assumed (refrigerator temperature approx. 5° C,
room temperature approx. 20° C). For thawing the
temperature of the deep freeze is assumed to be - 18° C.
Cooking times
All the times given in this book are guidelines, which
can be varied according to the initial temperature,
weight and condition of the food (water or fat content
etc.).
Salt, spices & herbs
Food cooked in your microwave retains its individual
flavour better than it does when conventional
preparation methods are used. For this reason you
should use salt very sparingly and normally add it only
after cooking. Salt absorbs liquid and dries out the
outer layer of the food. Herbs and spices can be used as
normal.
Addition of water
Vegetables and other foods with a high water content
can be cooked in their own juice or with the addition of
a little water. This ensures that many vitamins and
minerals are preserved.
Food in skins or shells
Food such as sausages, chickens, chicken legs, baked
potatoes, tomatoes, apples, egg yolks or such like
should be pricked or pierced with a fork or small
wooden skewer. This will enable the steam which forms
to dissipate without splitting the skin or shell.
Large & small quantities
Microwave times are directly dependent upon the
amount of food which you would like to thaw, heat or
cook. This means that small portions cook more quickly
than larger ones.
As a rule of thumb:
TWICE THE AMOUNT = ALMOST TWICE THE TIME
HALF THE AMOUNT = HALF THE TIME
Deep & shallow containers
Both containers have the same capacity, but the
cooking time is longer for the deeper one. You should
therefore choose as flat a container as possible with a
large surface area. Only use deep containers for dishes
where there is a danger of overcooking, e.g. for
noodles, rice, milk etc.
Round & oval containers
Food cooks more evenly in round or oval containers
than in containers with corners, since the microwave
energy concentrates in the corners and the food in
these areas could become overcooked.
Covering
Covering the food retains the moisture within it and
shortens the cooking time. Use a lid, microwave cling
film or a cover. Foods which are to be crispy, e.g. roasts
or chickens, should not be covered.
As a general rule, whatever would be covered in a
conventional oven should also be covered in a
microwave oven. Whatever would be uncovered in a
conventional oven can also be left uncovered in a
microwave oven.
Turning
Medium-sized items, such as hamburgers and steaks,
should be turned over once during cooking, in order to
shorten the cooking process. Large items, such as roasts
and chickens, must be turned, since the upper side
receives more microwave energy and could dry out if
not turned.
Standing time
Keeping to the standing time is one of the most
important rules with microwaves. Almost all foods,
which are thawed, heated or cooked in the microwave,
require a certain amount of time to stand, during
which temperature equalisation takes place and the
moisture in the food is evenly distributed.
8
Tips & advice
Browning agents
After more than 15 minutes cooking time food acquires
a brownness, although this is not comparable to the
deep brownness and crispness obtained through
conventional cooking. In order to obtain an appetising
brown colour you can use browning agents. For the
most part they simultaneously act as seasoning agents.
In the following table you will find some suggestions
for substances you might use for browning and some of
the uses to which you might put them.
BROWNING AGENT
Melted butter and dried paprika
Dried paprika
Soya sauce
Barbecue and Worcestershire sauce, Gravy
Rendered down bacon fat or dried onions
Cocoa, chocolate flakes, brown icing, honey and
marmalade
Poultry
Oven baked dishes"Cheese toasties"
Meat and poultry
Roasts, Rissoles, Small roasted items
Oven baked dishes, toasted items,
soups, stews
Cakes and desserts
Heating
• Ready-prepared meals in aluminium containers
should be removed from the aluminium container
and heated on a plate or in a dish.
• Remove the lids from firmly closed containers.
• Food should be covered with microwave cling film, a
plate or cover (obtainable from stores), so that the
surface does not dry out. Drinks need not be
covered.
• When boiling liquids such as water, coffee, tea or
milk, place a glass stirrer in the container.
• If possible, stir large quantities from time to time, to
ensure that the temperature is evenly distributed.
• The times are for food at a room temperature of 20°
C. The heating time for food stored in a refrigerator
should be increased slightly.
• After heating allow the food to stand for 1-2
minutes, so that the temperature inside the food can
be evenly distributed (standing time).
• The times given are guidelines, which can be varied
according to the initial temperature, weight, water
content, fat content or the result which you wish to
achieve.
DISH
Coat the poultry with the
butter/paprika mixture
Dust with paprika
Coat with the sauce
Coat with the sauce
Sprinkle pieces of bacon or
dried onions on top
Sprinkle pieces on top of cakes
and desserts or use to glaze
METHOD
Defrosting
Your microwave is ideal for defrosting. Defrosting times
are usually considerably shorter than in traditional
methods of defrosting.
Here are a few tips. Take the frozen item out of its
packaging and place on a plate for defrosting.
Boxes & containers
Boxes and containers suitable for microwaves are
particularly good for defrosting and heating food, since
they can withstand temperatures in a deep freeze
(down to approx. –40° C) as well as being heat-resistant
(up to approx. 220° C). You can therefore use the same
container to defrost, heat and even cook the food,
without having to transfer it.
Covering
Cover thin parts with small strips of aluminium foil
before defrosting. Defrosted or warm parts should
likewise be covered with aluminium strips during
defrosting. This stops the thin parts becoming too hot
while thicker parts are still frozen.
Correct setting
It is better to choose a setting which is too low rather
than one which is too high. By so doing you will ensure
that the food defrosts evenly.
If the microwave setting is too high, the surface of the
food will already have begun to cook while the inside is
still frozen.
9
Tips & advice
Turning/stirring
Almost all foods have to be turned or stirred from time
to time. As early as possible, separate parts which are
stuck together and rearrange them.
Small amounts...
defrost more quickly and evenly than larger ones. We
recommend that you freeze portions which are as small
as possible. By so doing you will be able to prepare
whole menus quickly and easily.
Foods requiring careful handling
Foods such as gateaux, cream, cheese and bread should
only be partially defrosted and then left to defrost
completely at room temperature. By so doing you will
avoid the outer areas becoming too hot while the inside
is still frozen.
Standing time
This is particularly important after defrosting food, as
the defrosting process continues during this period. In
the defrosting table you will find the standing times for
various foods. Thick, dense foods require a longer
standing time than thinner foods or food of a porous
nature. If the food has not defrosted sufficiently, you
may continue defrosting it in the microwave oven or
lengthen the standing time accordingly. At the end of
the standing time you should process the food as soon
as possible and not re-freeze it.
COOKING FRESH VEGETABLES
• When buying vegetables try to ensure that, as far as
possible, they are of similar size. This is particularly
important when you want to cook the vegetables
whole (e.g. boiled potatoes).
•Wash the vegetables before preparing them, clean
them and only then weigh the required quantity for
the recipe and chop them up.
• Season them as you would normally, but as a rule
only add salt after cooking.
• Add about 5 tbsps of water for 500 g of vegetables.
Vegetables which are high in fibre require a little
more water. You will find information about this in
the table.
•Vegetables are usually cooked in a dish with a lid.
Those with a high moisture content, e.g. onions or
boiled potatoes, can be cooked in microwave cling
film without adding water.
• After half the cooking time has elapsed vegetables
should be stirred or turned over.
• After cooking allow the vegetables to stand for
approx. 2 minutes, so that the temperature disperses
evenly (standing time).
• The cooking times given are guidelines and depend
upon the weight, initial temperature and condition
of the type of vegetable in question. The fresher the
vegetables, the shorter the cooking times.
COOKING MEAT, FISH AND POULTRY
•When buying food items, try to ensure that, as far as
possible, they are of similar size. This will ensure that
they are cooked properly.
• Before preparation wash meat, fish and poultry
thoroughly under cold running water and pat them
dry with kitchen paper. Then continue as normal.
• Beef should be well hung and have little gristle.
• Even though the pieces may be of a similar size,
cooking results may vary. This is due, amongst other
things, to the kind of food, variations in the fat and
moisture content as well as the temperature before
cooking.
• After the food has been cooking for 15 minutes it
acquires a natural brownness, which may be
enhanced by the use of a browning agent. If, in
addition, you would like the surface to be crisp you
should either use the browning dish or sear the food
on your cooker and finish cooking it in your
microwave. By doing this you will simultaneously
obtain a brown base for making a sauce.
•Turn large pieces of meat, fish or poultry half way
through the cooking time, so that they are cooked
evenly from all sides.
• After cooking cover roasts with aluminium foil and
allow them to stand for approx. 10 minutes
(standing time). During this period the roast carries
on cooking and the liquid is evenly distributed, so
that when it is carved a minimum amount of juice is
lost.
DEFROSTING AND COOKING
Deep-frozen dishes can be defrosted and cooked at the
same time in one process in your microwave. You will
find some examples in the table. Do take note, however,
of the general advice given on "heating" and
"defrosting" food. Please refer to the manufacturer's
instructions on the packaging when preparing deepfrozen dishes. These usually contain precise cooking
times and offer advice on preparation.
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