Ever since I discovered the wonders of microwaving, my life in the kitchen has become much easier. Gone are the days of slaving over a hot stove for hours, waiting for my favorite dishes to be ready. Now, with just a few simple steps and the power of the microwave, I can have a delicious meal cooked in minutes. One particular dish that I love to make in a jiffy is a microwaved yam. Yes, you heard that right – a yam in the microwave! Today, I’m going to share with you my quick guide on how to microwave a yam and have it ready to devour in no time.
Gather Your Ingredients and Tools
Before we dive into the simple method of microwaving a yam, let’s make sure we have everything we need. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
– 1 yam
A medium-sized yam should be sufficient for one serving. Look for yams that are firm and have smooth skin. Avoid yams with bruises or blemishes.
– A microwave-safe dish
Make sure you choose a dish that is suitable for use in the microwave. Avoid using metal or plastic containers, as they can cause a fire or release harmful chemicals.
– Olive oil or butter
Adding a touch of oil or butter to your microwaved yam will help enhance its flavor and prevent it from drying out.
– Salt and pepper (optional)
For that extra burst of flavor, feel free to season your yam with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Preparing the Yam
Now that we have all our ingredients and tools ready, it’s time to prepare the yam for microwaving. Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Wash the yam
Using clean water, gently wash the yam to remove any dirt or debris on its skin. Pat it dry with a paper towel.
Step 2: Poke holes in the yam
Using a fork or a sharp knife, poke several holes in the yam’s skin. This will allow steam to escape while it’s cooking, preventing any potential explosions.
Microwaving the Yam
Now that we’ve prepped the yam, it’s time to cook it in the microwave. Follow these steps for perfectly cooked yam in minutes:
Step 1: Place the yam in the microwave-safe dish
Put the yam in the dish you’ve chosen, making sure it’s not touching the sides of the dish.
Step 2: Microwave on high
Microwave the yam on high for around 5 minutes. Cooking times may vary depending on the size and power of your microwave. To be safe, start with 5 minutes and adjust accordingly.
Step 3: Flip the yam and continue microwaving
Carefully flip the yam over to ensure even cooking. Microwave for an additional 5 minutes or until the yam is tender when pierced with a fork.
Serving and Enjoying Your Microwaved Yam
Once your yam is perfectly cooked, it’s time to take it out of the microwave and serve it up. Follow these steps for a delightful yam feast:
Step 1: Let it cool
Allow the yam to cool for a few minutes before handling. It will be piping hot from the microwave, and you don’t want to burn yourself.
Step 2: Cut it open
Using a knife, carefully slice the yam down the middle. Be cautious with the steam that may escape.
Step 3: Add some flavor
Drizzle a bit of olive oil or melt a pat of butter on top of the yam. Season with salt and pepper if desired.
Step 4: Dig in!
Grab a fork and dig into your microwaved yam. The flesh should be soft, moist, and packed with flavor.
Conclusion
Cooking a yam in the microwave is a quick and convenient way to enjoy this nutritious and delicious root vegetable. With just a few simple steps and minimal preparation time, you can have a perfectly cooked yam in minutes. So, the next time you’re craving a wholesome and satisfying meal, give microwaving a yam a try. You won’t be disappointed!