Charlotte Low
In this busy society we live in, many of us end up eating out because it saves us the time and hassle of preparing a meal from scratch.
But ever ponder whether you can “cook” a meal in just minutes? It’s possible! All you need is a mug, a microwave oven and of course, the necessary ingredients.
Will microwaving compromise the original taste of the food? Having tried out various mug recipes previously, Stefanie Judith, 19, an avid explorer of quirky projects shares: “It doesn’t give the intricate flavour as if you’re whipping things up over the stove, but it still tastes really great for minimal effort.” She feels that her mug cake recipe, for instance, turns out fluffy just like it was baked using the oven.
However, student Theresa Chang, 20, believes that there’s limit to how much you can fit in a mug, and you may not get all the necessary nutrients in your meal because of it.
Mug Cakes are one of the most popular mug recipes out there. Just Google “Mug Cake Recipes” and you’ll get an endless list of recipes, leaving you spoilt for choice.
UrbanWire decides to turn the mug recipe game up a notch and show you two other recipes that you’ve probably never thought of doing, in a mug.
Note: These recipes are single serve. If you want a larger serving size, use a larger mug or bowl and adjust the measurements accordingly
Mac and Cheese
Rich, smooth, creamy. That’s the perfect consistency to achieve for this American dish that everyone’s crazy about. Yes, it’s the popular Macaroni and Cheese (better known as Mac and Cheese) and we’re going to show you how to make it in just 10 minutes.
You will need:
A Microwave Safe Mug (about the size of a drinking mug)
1/3 Cup of Elbow Macaroni
Water
1/3 Cup of Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 Tablespoon of Plain Milk
Directions:
Step 1: Fill 1/3 of the mug with Macaroni
Step 2: Fill the mug with water such that it is slightly more than the amount of Macaroni
Step 3: Cook the Macaroni in the microwave for 6 minutes. Put it in for the first 4 minutes, take it out and stir. Do the same twice more at the 2 minute interval and then at the last 1 minute interval to ensure that the Macaroni is cooked. Keep the remaining pasta water in the mug after cooking. You do not need to drain it
Note: Microwave times may vary depending on the strength of your microwave
Step 4: Add 1/3 cup of Shredded Cheddar Cheese and 1 tablespoon of milk. Return to the microwave for another 30 to 45 seconds
Step 5: Mix the macaroni and melted cheese
Don’t expect Gordon Ramsay to give it praise, but you’ll get a mug of Mac and Cheese with a decent pay-off for both taste and look.
Now… make space in your tummy for this next recipe made with Rice Krispies. These sugary treats will satisfy those sweet tooth cravings of yours and keep you wanting for more.
Rice Krispies Treats
You will need:
A Microwave Safe Mug (about the size of a drinking mug)
1 Cup of Rice Krispies
4 Large Marshmallows
1/2 A Tablespoon of Butter or Margarine (we used Margarine here)
Directions:
Step 1: Melt the margarine in the mug for 15 to 20 seconds.
Tip: Put a lid over the mug to prevent splashing.
Step 2: Add the large marshmallows and microwave for another 20 seconds
Step 3: Mix the melted margarine and marshmallows until you get a smooth consistency
Step 4: Pour the cup of Rice Krispies in and mix it thoroughly till every Rice Krispie is well coated
Word of advice for those wearing braces: Eating this can get you into a “sticky situation”, so consume at your own risk!
So there you have it, a main course and a sweet treat. Sounds like the perfect combination and a great study snack.
If you are unsure of any of the steps in the recipes above, check out the video tutorial:
Tell us in the ‘Comments’ section below what you think of these 10-Minute Meals in a mug! If you’ve tried out our recipes, let us know how it turned out too!