7 Easy-Peasy Vegetarian Microwave Recipes For Busy Parents

IHave a busy family life? Meet your new best friend: the microwave

Just like you are getting new baby gear, car seat, buggy and all the basics when you become a parent, you will need to get a good, reliable microwave too. I’ve learnt this quickly and I’m sure fellow parents are nodding along whilst reading this: having a microwave and using it on a savvy way is a game changer in a family household. From sterilising the bottles and the dummies to defrost the Sunday evening freezer batch,  microwaves are very handy. Our batch cooking definitely goes hand in hand with having a good microwave! They are easy to clean after cooking (in case you forgot to cover your tomato sauce when heating it up…): just heat some water and vinegar mixture in the microwave and wipe the steam off the surfaces!

Did you try to use your microwave for cooking?

Since I’ve discovered a few tricks and tips I love saving some time by using it for cooking quick and easy meals and snacks. These are also quite regular, at least one or two of them are on the menu every week. I also asked some of my fellow bloggers what are their favourite microwave recipes so I’ve put together these 5 really easy microwave recipes:

1. Porridge fingers

And porridge, for that matter. Takes about a minute or two instead of 15 minutes constant stirring by the stove. And porridge fingers have been a big favourite with my children since baby weaning. They just make the easiest and yummiest breakfast – still. Just mix 2 tbs of milk with 3 tbsp of oats, let them soak, press the mixture into a small, flat-bottomed dish, microwave it for about 2 minutes on full power and that’s it! Then just cut them into fingers. You can also add some fresh or dry fruits.

2. Jacket potato

Who doesn’t like jacket potato? It’s one of my comfort foods. My favourite topping has to be cheese but recently discovered the guacamole topped jacket potato and it’s just delicious! If you haven’t tried it, go for it. For preparing the jacket potato in the microwave first you have to wash it and prick it with a knife on all sides quite a few times. On full power cook it for 4 minutes each side, turning it over halfway. Check the middle with a sharp knife.

Photo by Brooke Lark

3. Mug cake

I often make this after the kids gone to sleep… and I need some chocolate cake in my life, right there and then. It’s super easy, so if you haven’t try to make them before, don’t you worry. it’s totally fool-proof. Here’s a basic recipe

• 4 tbsp self-raising flour
• 1 tbsp dark brown sugar
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder, unsweetened
• 1 egg
• 3 tbsp milk
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/2 tsp vanilla essence
• 1 tbsp chocolate chips (optional)

Mix everything well and put it in the microwave for 3-4 minutes.

4. Root Vegetable Crisps

This recipe is coming from my blogging pal Gee. She used sweet potato, parsnip and carrots. You have to thinly slice some root vegetables, cover them in olive oil and cook them about 5 minutes.

Photo by Gee Gardner

5. Cheesy toast

This is Lianne’s idea, another blogger friend. Vegan cheese on toast – cut cheese in to cubes and melt in a pot for seconds then spread on toast! Yummy. I’ve tried doing tested this day and I can confirm it is yummy.

6. Granola

Home made granola is definitely healthier than the sugary store bought one. You just need good quality, healthy ingredients. This is recipe is a basic microwave granola recipe you can add some extras as you wish.

• 2 tsp oil (oil or coconut)
• 2 tsp water
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tsp honey or agave nectar
• 5 tbsp rolled oats
• 2 tbsp nuts and seeds
• 1 tbsp chopped dried fruit, raisins or dried cranberries
• pinch of sea salt

Mix oil, water, vanilla and honey in a bowl and microwave it for 25 seconds. Add the oats, nuts and seeds to the mug and stir well. Microwave on full power for 2 minutes and stir it in every 30 seconds. Spread it out on a plate or tray and add the dried fruit.

7. Warm chia seeds pudding with coconut milk and kiwi

This recipe is by Su she’s one of my favourite foodie mum bloggers – always comes up with something unusual and yummy! For this recipe you’ll need:

• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• 1/2 canof coconut milk
• a splash of coconut syrup
• 3 pealed kiwis – cut into small bite size

Soak the chia seeds in the coconut milk for 20 minutes minimum, placing it in the fridge. If you leave it in for overnight, that’s even better. Scoop them out into small balls and place the bowl into the microwave for 30 seconds. Serve it with the kiwi fruit on the top.

This is a collaborative post.

And how about an easy-peasy healthy pancake: Quick Oaty Banana Mini Pancakes – No Milk