Panasonic NN-S215, NN-S235 manual Covering, Browning, Standing Time

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Microwave Recipe Preparation and Techniques

Covering

Covering food minimizes the microwave cooking time.

Because microwave cooking is done with time and not direct heat, the rate of evaporation cannot be easily controlled. However, this can be corrected by using different materials to cover dishes. Plastic wrap is the best substitute for a lid as it creates a tighter seal and so it retains more heat and steam. Wax paper and paper towels hold the heat in but not the steam. These materials also prevent splattering. Use a paper towel, wax paper or no cover when steam is not needed for tenderising.

Browning

Meats and poultry, when cooked longer than 10 to 15 minutes, will brown from their own fat. Foods cooked for shorter periods of time can be aided with the help of a browning sauce, worcestershire sauce or soy sauce. Simply brush one of these sauces over meat or poultry before cooking. Baked goods do not need long cooking time and therefore, do not brown. When cakes or cupcakes are iced, no one will notice the visual difference. For cakes or cupcakes, brown sugar can be used in the recipe in place of caster sugar or the surface can be sprinkled with dark spices before baking.

Standing Time

The moisture molecules continue to vibrate in the food when the microwave oven has turned itself off. After all, the molecules were vibrating at 2,450,000,000 times per second during cooking. So cooking continues even after the food is no longer being exposed to the microwaves whether in or outside your microwave oven.

Standing time refers to the time it takes (after the microwave time is completed) to allow the interior of the food to finish cooking.

The amount of standing time varies with the size and density of the food. In meat cookery, the internal temperature will rise between 5°C and 10°C if allowed to stand covered for ten to fifteen minutes. Rice and vegetables need shorter standing time, but this time is necessary to allow foods to complete cooking in the centre without overcooking on the edges.

The power level used in microwave cooking also determines the standing time. For example, when using a lower power level the standing time is shorter because of a lower concentration of heat in the food. Foods should always be kept covered while standing in order to retain the heat. If a longer standing time is required (while you cook another food to serve with the first, for instance), cover with aluminum foil.

Converting Your Favourite Conventional Recipes for Microwave Cooking

When adapting conventional recipes for microwave cooking, times are reduced considerably.

for example, A chicken which takes 1 hour to cook in a moderate oven will take 20 to 30 minutes on Medium Power in your microwave oven.

Use similar microwave recipes to help you adapt conventional recipes. Remember, it is always best to undercook a recipe and then add an extra minute or two to finish it off.

Here are some other tips that may help:

•Reduce liquids in a conventional recipe by one half

to two thirds, e.g. 1cup (250 ml) should be reduced to 1⁄2 cup (125 ml).

•Add more thickening such as flour or cornflour to sauces and gravies if you do not reduce the liquid.

•Reduce seasonings slightly in a recipe where ingredients do not have time to simmer by microwave.

•Do not salt meats, poultry or vegetables before cooking; otherwise, they will toughen and dry out.

•If one ingredient takes longer to cook than the others, precook it in the microwave oven first. Onion, celery and potato are examples.

•When cooking meat or vegetables, omit any oil or fat that would have been used for browning in a conventional recipe.

•Reduce leavening agents for cakes by one quarter and increase liquids by one quarter.

•Biscuits require a stiff dough. Increase flour by about 20 percent. Substitute brown sugar for white sugar and use biscuit recipes that have dark spices or require icing. Because of the short cooking time, biscuits don’t have to brown. Chill dough for half an hour before baking. This produces a crisper biscuit. Bake biscuits on a glass tray lined with greaseproof paper.

•Since microwaves penetrate foods about two centimetres from the top, bottom and sides, mixtures in round shapes and rings cook more evenly. Corners receive more energy and may overcook.

•Items with a lot of water, such as rice and pasta, cook in about the same time as they would on a conventional stove. (Refer to Rice and Pasta chapter.)

Select recipes that convert easily to microwave cooking such as casseroles, stews, baked chicken, fish and vegetable dishes. The results from foods such as grilled meats, cooked souffles or two-crust pies could be less than satisfactory. Never attempt to deep fry in your microwave oven.

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Contents NN-S215 Models NN-S235Frenchs Forest NSW Customer Care CentreTable of Contents Earthing Instructions Safety InstructionsImportant Instructions Installation and General Instructions Placement of OvenGeneral Use CircuitsMicrowaves and How They Work Cookware and Utensil GuideReflection Glass, Ceramic and ChinaPlastics Jars and BottlesStraw, Wicker and Wood MetalFeature Diagram Stop/Reset Pad NN-S215 Timer/Weight Select Dial Micro Power Select DialControl Panel Beep SoundSelect Power Level PlugOpen Door PressTo Use Child Safety Lock for NN-S235 To Set Clock for NN-S235Enter Time of Day TwiceIngredient Conversion Chart To Reheat by Micro Power and Time Reheat by Setting Power and Time Frozen Pre-cooked FoodsStarting Temperature VolumeLarge Volume ReheatFor NN-S215 To DefrostFor NN-S235 Defrosting Chart by setting time Defrosting Tips and TechniquesPreparation for Freezing Defrosting TechniqueVegetables 120 g 370 g Auto Reheat 250 g 850 gFrozen Reheat 250 g 850 g To Use Timer for NN-S235 To Use as a Kitchen TimerTo Set Delay Start To Set Standing TimeFood Characteristics Techniques for PreparationStanding Time CoveringBrowning Microwave Recipe Techniques Menu Planning for Microwave CookingIncreasing & Decreasing Recipes Cooking for OneEveryday Basics IngredientsMethod HintSoups and Snacks Ingredients SoupLaksa Method SoupIngredients 800 g HintTip Directions for Cooking Fish and Shellfish by Micro Power Cooking Fish and Shellfish by Micro PowerFish or Shellfish Amount Power APPROX. Cooking Time Fish and ShellfishCooking Whole Poultry by Micro Power Cooking Poultry Pieces by Micro PowerCooking Poultry by Micro Power PoultryDried chinese mushrooms Cooking Tender Cuts of Meat by Micro Power Meat Chart for Microwave CookingMeat Power APPROX. Cooking Time Main Fare Meats400 g Rump steak, sliced Teaspoon Chopped ginger 500 g Round steak diced ⁄3 cup Cooking Frozen Vegetables by Micro Power Cooking Dried Beans and Peas by Micro PowerVegetable Varieties Directions for Cooking VegetablesCooking Fresh Vegetables by Micro Power Vegetable Quantity Cooking Procedure TimeCooking On HighTablespoons Brown sugar Teaspoons Butter Honey Cooking Rice and Other Grains by Micro Power Cooking Pasta by Micro PowerCooking Hot Cereal by Micro Power Rice, Pasta and Cereal250 g Dried fettuccine Cups Boiling water Desserts For NN-S235 only Before Requesting ServiceFor All models Technical Specifications Before CleaningAfter Cleaning Care of your Microwave OvenFeature Quick Guide to Operation for NN-S235

NN-S235, NN-S215 specifications

Panasonic has long been a reputable name in kitchen appliances, and its line of microwave ovens is no exception. The Panasonic NN-S215 and NN-S235 models are notable for their combination of advanced technology, user-friendly features, and reliability.

The NN-S215 is a 1.2 cubic feet countertop microwave that operates at 1200 watts. It incorporates Inverter Technology, a standout feature that delivers consistent and even cooking results. Unlike traditional microwaves that use a pulsing mechanism to reduce power, Inverter Technology provides a steady stream of power, ensuring that food is cooked uniformly without hot spots. This results in better texture and flavor, especially for delicate foods like fish or sauces.

The NN-S215 also offers a variety of power levels, allowing users to customize their cooking experience. It includes one-touch sensor cooking and reheating features that automatically calculate cooking times based on the food type and weight. The microwave has convenient preset buttons for quick access to popular cooking options like popcorn, veggies, and entrees, making meal preparation more efficient.

Similarly, the NN-S235 model features the same capacity and inverter technology, but with added convenience. It comes equipped with a sleek, modern design that seamlessly fits into any kitchen decor. With a stainless-steel finish, this microwave also features a 4-digit display and an easy-to-use control panel.

Both models emphasize safety with a child lock feature that prevents unintentional usage. This is particularly important for households with young children, ensuring peace of mind for parents.

Additionally, the NN-S235 enhances the cooking experience by providing a Keep Warm feature that maintains food at ideal serving temperatures without further cooking it. The presence of a quick minute option allows users to add a minute of cooking time with a single press, further simplifying the cooking process.

In terms of energy efficiency, both models are designed to minimize electricity usage while maximizing performance. Their smart sensor technology optimizes cooking times and power levels, adding to their eco-friendliness.

Overall, the Panasonic NN-S215 and NN-S235 microwaves encapsulate a blend of advanced cooking technology, ease of use, and stylish design, making them excellent additions to any kitchen. Whether cooking, reheating, or defrosting, these microwaves deliver reliable and delicious results.
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