These are the nine surprising foods you never knew you could microwave

FORGET slaving over a hot stove or spending hours scrubbing dirty dishes.

Experts have revealed that culinary favourites like risotto, spaghetti, eggs and even brownies can be easily cooked in the MICROWAVE.

A list of nine surprising foods you never knew you could microwave was recently published by The Good Housekeeping Institute.

It revealed the ways in which you can cook broccoli without boiling water and bacon without the need for it to sizzle in oil.

You can even knock up a risotto or spaghetti in the microwave, as long as they are put in appropriate containers.

Brownies, eggs (though not in their shells) and even dried fruit, nuts and breadcrumbs are all microwavable, as long as you know the correct way to do it.

However, what you should refrain from microwaving are cheap plastic containers, earthenware or stoneware ceramics.

Containers with metal parts, foil, plates with metallic trims and travel mugs are also no-go's when it comes to microwaving.

As long as you use the proper equipment, there's no reason why these nine foods shouldn't taste utterly scrumptious.

Here's how you can ace "ping cuisine".

Steamed vegetables

To steam your veggies to perfection in the microwave, simply wash them and pop them in a glass dish with a tablespoon of water.

Cover them and cook for five minutes.

The result is expertly, cooked-to-perfection veg.

Toasted nuts or breadcrumbs

Did you know that you can actually cook toasted nuts and breadcrumbs in the microwave? Who knew?

It's easy too: heat on high for a minute at a time, making sure you're stirring in between sessions.

You'll know when it's ready as the nuts and breadcrumbs will look evenly browned.

Spaghetti

This culinary favourite can actually be cooked from scratch using the humble microwave - and it's really not that complicated to do.

Add oil, salt and boiling water in a large bowl and cook on a high heat for a minute.

Afterwards, push the softened spaghetti into the water and cook it for another eight minutes.

Make sure you allow it to sit for approximately 10 minutes after it's finished microwaving.

Bacon

No need for a barbecue or hot plate - bacon cooks just as well in the microwave.

Lay out your rashers on a plate covered with a paper towel or kitchen roll. Place another sheet of paper on top, as this will successfully collect the grease.

Cook on a high heat for two minutes each side.

Eggs

For scrambled, beat your eggs and then add oil and milk into a mug and cook for 45 seconds on a high heat.

Stir and pop it back in for another 30 seconds until almost set.

If you prefer the fancier poached variety, crack an egg into a microwave-safe container with three tablespoons of water.

Gently pierce the yolk with a fork and cook on a high heat for 45 seconds, turn the dish and cook for a further 45 seconds.

For fried eggs, make sure you preheat a plate in the microwave and then add melted butter before cracking an egg in the centre.

Pierce the yolk gently and heat for 45 seconds on a high heat.

Brownies

If you're after a sweet treat, than a brownie is sure to hit the spot.

To cook in the microwave, first melt the butter in the microwave.

Then, add cocoa powder, sugar, eggs, flour and vanilla extract.

Mix it all together and then cook on high for four or five minutes.

Risotto

To successfully cook your risotto in the microwave, it's important to do it in stages.

First the rice, wine and half the stock needs to go in for 10 minutes. Afterwards, you can add more stock and cook for a further three minutes.

Finally, add the remaining vegetables or meat and cook for seven minutes.

Make sure you leave it to cool for a few minutes before eating.

Homemade dried fruit

To make this healthy snack, cut your fresh fruit in quarter inch strips and then lay them on greased baking paper.

Next, microwave them on medium power for 10 minutes.

After this, turn them over and microwave on a low power for 15 minutes.

Dried herbs

Place your rosemary, thyme, oregano and sage on a paper towel-lined plate.

Then, cook on high for approximately one minute, or until dried.

Finally, crumble the herbs into pieces into an airtight container or jar.

Surprisingly, these foods are actually healthier to microwave - perfect for those who are too tired to cook.

It's not just the microwave that's known for its versatile cooking. Here are eight other foods that you can cook in your toaster.

Finally, we've discovered the simplest and fastest way to cooked the perfect poached eggs. Hint: it involves ditching the pan!