Your microwave isn’t just for making popcorn or reheating leftovers anymore. You can cook some healthy meals for lunch, dinner, desserts, and snacks in your microwave. So check out these healthy side recipes for your busy nights and stress-free dinner parties .

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Microwave Corn on the Cob

Ingredients required:

• 1 ear of corn (unshucked)
• Melted butter
• Salt to taste.

How to prepare:
Place the ear of the corn on a microwave plate for about 2 minutes. Set the timer for about 2 minutes at a high temperature. Once it is done, remove the plate and place it in cool water.   Serve the corn with melted butter and salt.

Rosemary Potatoes

Ingredients required:

• 2 Smashed garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 ½ pounds red potatoes, cut into quarters

How to prepare:
Place the butter and garlic in an 8-inch square baking dish. Microwave at medium high temperature, which is 70% or 45 seconds until the butter melts. Add rosemary, salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and potatoes, toss well. Cover and microwave at high for 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Microwave Sliced Baked Potatoes

  Ingredients required:

• 4 medium-sized potatoes
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp chopped herbs like chives, thyme, sage and parsley (you could also use dried herbs if you wish)
• 4 tbsp grated cheddar cheese
• 1 ½ tbsp. parmesan cheese

How to prepare:
Place the handle of a spoon or table knife alongside the potato to prevent your knife from slicing all the way. Place the potatoes in a micro-safe dish or pan. Sprinkle some melted butter and chopped parsley, chives or sage. Microwave at a high temperature for 10 minutes and arrange the potatoes after 5 minutes.  Let it rest for 5 minutes and sprinkle some cheddar and parmesan cheese on top. Place the potatoes in the microwave for another 4 to 6 minutes until cheese is melted and potatoes are soft. Sprinkle some salt on top and serve this dish.

Easy Microwave Rice Pilaf

Ingredients required:

• 1/3 cup uncooked rice
• ¼ cup chopped celery
• ¼ cup chopped onion
• ¼ chopped green pepper
• 2 tbsp margarine
• 1 cup hot water
• 1 dash garlic powder
• 1 tbsp chicken bouillon

How to prepare:
Combine some chopped onion, celery, green pepper, and margarine in a 1-quart casserole dish. Top it up with some garlic powder and cover it with a foil. Keep the microwave at a high temperature for 3 to 5 minutes. Now, stir the uncooked rice and chicken bouillon in hot water and cook it at a high temperature in the microwave for 5 minutes, then on a medium temperature for about 10 to 12 minutes. Let it rest for 5 minutes and serve this dish.

Microwave Cauliflower

  Ingredients:

• 1 cauliflower
• ¼ cup grated cheese (optional)
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ teaspoon salt

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How to prepare:
Cut cauliflower into florets and put the cauliflower in a microwavable casserole bowl. Cover it with a foil and cook at a high temperature for 8 to 10 minutes. Stir halfway through and remove it from the microwave.  Spread some butter evenly and sprinkle breadcrumbs, grated cheese (optional), and salt. You can even sprinkle some minced garlic.  Cover the bowl again and place it in the microwave for 2 minutes. The dish is ready to serve.

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