AEG MCD2660E, MCD2661E User Manual
MCD2660E / MCD2661E
Microwave oven with grill
Mikrowellengerät mit grill
Four á micro-ondes avec gril
Magnetronoven met grill
Horno Microondas con grill
Operating instructions
Gebrauchsanweisung
Notice d’utilisation
Gebruiksaanwijzing
Instrucciones de Manjo
UK
D
F
NL
E
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...»
Contents
Important safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 - 4
Oven & accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Control panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Before operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Setting the clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
What are microwaves? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Suitable ovenware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 - 9
Tips & advice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 - 14
Microwave power levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Microwave cooking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Grill & dual grill cooking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Other convenient functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 - 19
Auto cook & defrost operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 - 21
UK
Auto cook & defrost charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 - 24
Recipes for auto cook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 - 26
Cooking charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 - 29
Recipes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 - 44
Care & cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
What to do if... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Service & spare parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Guarantee conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Important information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 - 50
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.
The AC power supply must be 230 V, 50 Hz, with a
minimum 16 A distribution line fuse, or a minimum 16 A
distribution circuit breaker.
It is recommended that a separate circuit serving only
this appliance be provided.
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 8 - 9.
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 this operation manual.
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 45. 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 an
authorised AEG service agent.
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.
2
Important safety instructions
UK
Do not attempt to replace the oven lamp yourself or
allow anyone who is not authorised by AEG to do so. If
the oven lamp fails, please consult your dealer or an
authorised AEG service agent.
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 AEG service agent.
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 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 and accessible parts
that may become hot when the grill is in use. Children
should be kept away to prevent them burning
themselves.
Do not touch the oven door, outer cabinet, rear cabinet,
oven cavity, ventilation openings, accessories and dishes
during GRILL mode, DUAL GRILL mode and AUTO
COOK operation as they will become hot. Before
cleaning make sure they are not hot.
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 except where
recommended in the operation manual, see page 17
note 2. Doing so may damage the oven.
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 dish’s instructions must
not be exceeded.
3
Important safety instructions
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.
Do not use plastic containers for microwaving if the
oven is still hot from using the GRILL mode, DUAL
GRILL mode and AUTO COOK operation, because they
may melt. Plastic containers must not be used during
above modes unless the container manufacturer says
they are suitable.
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.
4
Oven & accessories
UK
1 2
3
4
5
1. Grill heating element
2. Front trim
3. Oven lamp
4. Control panel
5. Door opening button
6. Waveguide cover
7. Oven cavity
8. Seal packing
9. Door seals and sealing surfaces
10. Fixing points (4 points)
11. Ventilation openings
12. Outer cover
13. Rear cabinet
14. Power supply cord support clips
15. Power supply cord
ACCESSORIES:
Check to make sure the following accessories are
provided:
(16) Turntable (17) Turntable support (18) High rack
(19) Low rack (20) 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
authorised AEG service agent.
15
14
19
67
10
11
12
13
16
17
18
89
5
Control panel
1 Digital Display
2 Indicators
The appropriate indicator will flash or light up, just
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
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/power level
Grill
Microwave
Cooking in progress
3 TIMER/WEIGHT/POWER knob
4 AUTO COOK button
Press to select one of the 2 automatic programmes.
5 AUTO COOK PLUS GRILL 1 button
Press to select one of the 2 automatic programmes.
6 AUTO COOK PLUS GRILL 2 button
Press to select one of the 4 automatic programmes.
7 AUTO DEFROST button
Press to select one of the 4 automatic programmes.
8 COOKING MODE button
Press to select either microwave, grill or dual grill, or
use to set the clock.
1. press once to select microwave function.
2. press twice to select the grill.
3. press three times to select dual grill mode,
microwave with grill.
9START/QUICK button
10 STOP button
11 DOOR OPENING button
11
6
Before operation
UK
Plug in the oven.
1. The oven display will flash:
2. Press the STOP button, the display will show:
x1
3. To set the clock, see below.
4. Heat the oven without food. (See page 17 note 2).
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 COOKING MODE button down for 3 seconds.
will appear in the display.
2. To set the 24 hour clock, press the COOKING MODE 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/
POWER knob until the correct hour is
displayed (23).
x1 and hold for
3 secs.
x1 and hold for 3 seconds
3. Press the COOKING
MODE button to
change from hours to
minutes.
x1 x1
NOTES:
1. You can rotate the TIMER/WEIGHT/POWER 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 show
4. Set the minutes. Rotate the
TIMER/WEIGHT/POWER
knob until the correct
minute is displayed (35).
x1
5. Press the COOKING
MODE button to start
the clock.
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.
7
What are microwaves?
What are microwaves?
Like radio and television waves, microwaves are
electromagnetic waves.
Microwaves are produced by a magnetron inside the
microwave oven, and these vibrate the molecules of
water present in the food. The friction this causes
produces heat, which ensures that the food is
defrosted, heated or cooked through.
The secret of the reduced cooking times is the fact that
the microwaves penetrate the food from every
direction. Energy is used to the full. In comparison, the
energy from a conventional hob passes from the
burner through the pan and so to the food.
This method wastes a great deal of energy.
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. (See page 9).
Porcelain
Very suitable. Ensure that the porcelain does not have a
gold or silver overlay and that it does not contain any
metal.
The characteristics of microwaves
Microwaves penetrate all non-metal objects made of
glass, china, earthenware, plastic, wood or paper. This is
why the microwaves never make these materials hot.
Dishes become hot only because the food inside them
is hot.
The food absorbs the microwaves and is heated.
Microwaves cannot pass through objects made of
metal and so they are deflected. For this reason metal
objects are not normally suitable for microwave
cookery. There are exceptions where you can actually
make use of the fact that the microwaves cannot pass
through metal. If you cover food with aluminium foil
at specific points while it is defrosting or cooking, you
can prevent those parts from getting too warm, too
hot, or overcooked. Please check out the advice given
in the guide.
Plastic 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.
Paper utensils
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.
8
Suitable ovenware
UK
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.
The right utensils for combined
operation
For combined operation (Microwave + grill) and grill
operation, you can use any heat-resistant accessories,
e. g. porcelain, pottery, glass. It is possible to use metal
accessories only for a simple grill operation.
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, or
metal 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 900 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.
9
Tips & advice
Before you start...
To make it as easy as possible to use the microwave
oven we have put together a few hints and tips for
you. Only switch on the oven when the food is already
inside.
Setting the cooking time
Defrosting, re-heating and cooking times are generally
much shorter than in a conventional oven or hob. So
you will need to consult this book for the
recommended cooking times. It is better to set shorter
rather than longer cooking times. Always test the food
after the cooking time has elapsed. It is better then to
continue cooking it for a little longer, than to have
overcooked food.
Starting temperature
Defrosting, re-heating and cooking times depend on
the temperature of the food when you start. For
example, deep frozen and refridgerated food will need
longer than food that is at room temperature.
Standard storage temperaturs of food are assumed for
re-heating and cooking times (refridgerator
temperature of 5° C, Room temperature of
approximately 20° C). For defrosting food a starting
temperature of -18° C is assumed.
Cook popcorn only in special microwave safe
containers. Refer exactly to the manufacturer’s
instructions. Do not use a normal paper or glass
container.
Do not cook eggs in the unbroken
shells. Pressure builds up inside the
shell and this may result in the egg
exploding.
Do not heat oil or fat for deepfrying inside the microwave oven. It
is impossible to control the
temperature of the oil and it may
suddenly splash out of the pan.
Do not heat sealed containers such
as jars or tins. The pressure inside the container could
cause the container to explode. (The exception is when
you are making preserves).
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 sparingly and normally add it only after
cooking. Salt absorbs liquid and dries out the outer
layer of food. Herbs and spices can be used as normal.
Types of use
Microwave: you can defrost frozen foods in a short
time.
Combined operation: With the combination of
microwave and grill you can cook and roast at the
same time. Therefore, the advantages of these
appliances will combine sensibly and mutually. The
heat of the grill quickly seals the pores of the food and
the microwave functions for a short time. The food
keeps its moisture inside and is crispy on the outside.
Grill: Your oven is provided with a quartz grill, which
you can also use without microwave operation like any
other conventional grill.
Cooking test
The cooking status of meals can be tested as with
conventional preparation:
• Food thermometer: Each food has a certain interior
temperature at the end of the heating process. With
a food thermometer you can determine whether
the food is hot or cooked enough.
•Fork: You can check fish with a fork. If the fish
meat is no longer clear and comes easily from the
fishbones, it is. If it is over-cooked, it becomes
tough and dry.
•Wooden skewer: Cakes and bread can be tested by
inserting a wooden skewer. If the skewer remains
clean and dry after pulling it out they are done.
10
Tips & advice
UK
Using a food thermometer to
determine cooking time
The internal temperature of food and drink can be
ascertained with a food thermometer. The most
important temperatures are specified in the
temperature table.
Drink / Food Internal Internal temp.
Heating drinks
(Coffee, Water, Tea, Milk
etc.)
Heating soup
Heating stew
Poultry
Lamb
Pink
Well done
Roast beef
Rare
Medium
Well done
Pork, Veal
temperature after 10 - 15 mins
once cooked standing time
65-75o C
75-80o C
75-80o C
80-85o C
70o C
75-80o C
50-55o C
60-65o C
75-80o C
80-85o C
85-90o C
70-75o C
80-85o C
55-60o C
65-70o C
80-85o C
80-85o C
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 skin or shells
Foods 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.
Fatty foods
Fatty meat and layers of fat cook better than lean
portions of meat. Before cooking, cover the fatty
portions with a piece of aluminium foil or place the
food with the fat side down.
Blanching vegetables
Before freezing vegetables, they should be blanched.
This preserves the quality and
flavour at their best. Method: wash
and chop the vegetables. Put 250g
of vegetables in a dish with 275 ml
water and cover. Heat for 3-5
minutes. After blanching, immerse
immediately in cold water to prevent further cooking
and then allow to drain. Pack vegetables in an airtight
container and freeze.
Preserving fruit and vegetables
Using the microwave for preserving is quick and easy.
There are preserving jars, rubber vacuum seals and
suitable seals made of plastic available specially made
for microwaves. The manufacturers will supply precise
instructions for use.
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.
11
Tips & advice
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.
Irregular shaped food
Place the thicker, more compacted
end of the food pointing towards
the outside. Place vegetables (such
as broccoli) with the stalks pointing
outward.
Stirring
Stirring the food is necessary, since
the microwaves begin by heating
the outer areas. The temperature is
thereby equalised and the food
heats up evenly.
Arrangement of food
Place a number of individual portions, such as small
pudding moulds, cups or potatoes in their jackets, in a
circle on the turntable. Keep the portions at a distance
from each other so that the microwave energy can
reach the food from all sides.
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.
12
Heating
UK
• Ready-prepared meals in aluminium containers
should be removed from the aluminium container
and heated on a plate or in a dish.
• 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.
• Remove the lids from firmly closed containers.
• 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.
Defrosting
Your microwave is ideal for defrosting. Defrosting times
are usually considerably shorter than in traditional
methods. 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 freeze, 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.
• 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.
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,
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.
13
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 (see page 27).
Cooking meat, fish & 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.
•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.
•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 & 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.
14
Please refer to the manufacturer's instructions on the
packaging when preparing deep- frozen dishes. These
usually contain precise cooking times and offer advice
on preparation.
Loading...