What do you Mean the Microwave can do More than Popcorn?

Being that I have a VERY busy 16 month old on my hands and an even busier 4 year old (really, she has so much energy) I find it challenging to bring healthy meals to the table without losing my mind. I mean, have you ever tried standing over the stove while a child either runs rampant in the kitchen, pulling everything out of the cupboards, digging in the garbage can and getting underfoot OR screams in frustration from a playpen type jail cell? It’s rough. Like, calling out for Chinese food seems like a good idea a lot of the time.

I really want to put more veggies on the table on a regular basis but frankly, after I’m done chopping it all up I’m still looking at another 15 minutes of stove top cook time at a minimum and that’s just for plain steamed vegetables.

Then I heard about the challenge Panasonic had issued through Urban Moms. They’ve shared this awesome Ratatouille recipe that I can’t wait to try… it has eggplant and zucchini and red pepper. AND it has spices and hello, FLAVOR in it too! I don’t know why, but it never dawned on me to approach microwave cooking with herbs in mind. To be honest, if it wasn’t popcorn or a cup of coffee gone cold….I didn’t think it could be put in the microwave. I’ve come to realize this is one kitchen tool that I’m not using to it’s full potential.

Made In The Microwave

Genius Spicy Ratatouille Recipe

INGREDIENTS

1 large eggplant, peeled and cut into small cubes
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 Red pepper, cut into strips
2 zucchini, thinly sliced
3 tomatoes, peeled and diced
1 tsp Salt & pepper
10 Fresh Basil leaves, sliced
1 tsp Chili Flakes
3–4 tablespoons tomato sauce

PREPARATION

1. In a large microwavable casserole dish, combine eggplant,
onion, garlic, and oil. Cover and microwave on high for 3
minutes. Stir and return to microwave for 3 more minutes.
2. Place a layer of green pepper strips on top, followed by a layer
of zucchini and then a layer of tomatoes. Add the salt & pepper,
chili flakes and tomato sauce.
3. Cover and microwave on high for about 10 minutes until
vegetables are tender. Let stand covered for 5 minutes.
Garnish the top with the sliced fresh basil leaves and serve.

Panasonic believes that ANY dish can be made in the microwave.  I’m skeptical and tend to believe that the best food comes from tender loving care in an oven or slow cooker…but if they can make Creme Brulee and Pad Thai in the microwave then maybe they know some freaky microwave magic that I don’t?  They know we’re skeptics here and they want to challenge YOU to send them an idea for something you don’t believe can be done in the microwave…

JOIN THE MICROWAVE CHALLENGE
From sides to starters, mains to desserts Chef Michael P Clive can do it all – and it’s easy for
Canadians to get involved.

Step One: Starting February 7th, 2012, log on to www.Facebook.com/
PanasonicCookingCanada and submit a dish idea for Michael P Clive to make in the microwave
– no challenge is too big.

Step Two: Canadians can vote on their top dishes in each category (starters, mains, sides,
desserts). Once the votes are in Chef Michael P. Clive and a judging panel will select their
favourite recipe challenge from each meal category and create a “how to” video showcasing
how to make that dish using a microwave.

Two Ways to Win:
1. The chosen recipe idea in each meal category will be awarded a brand new Panasonic
Genius Inverter Microwave prize pack and bragging rights.
2. Everyone who submits a recipe will be entered into a random draw for the chance to win an
additional brand new Panasonic Genius Inverter Microwave prize pack.