Microwaves can be used for way more than reheating leftover pizza. In seconds or minutes, the countertop appliances can toast nuts; cook bacon, eggs and whole potatoes; heat tortillas; and melt chocolate. Not only are they fast, but they also help cooks cut down on fat and preserve nutrients in ingredients.

Unlike with sauteing, roasting and frying, you don’t need to use any butter or oil. Plus, as opposed to boiling and simmering, microwaving allows you to cook vegetables and fruits with no or very little liquid. This means that vitamins and minerals won’t seep into cooking water and be discarded.

Read on to learn how you can rely on your machine (plus a mug) to whip up delicious and nourishing fare, inspired by my book “Mug Meals: Delicious Microwave Recipes” (Taunton Press, 2015).

Yes, it’s safe

Microwave cooking seems almost too good to be true. So it’s not surprising that some are skeptical the method is safe. Yet, according to Harvard Health Publishing, there is no cause for concern. Still, to be ultra-cautious, consider avoiding plastic containers, plastic wrap or plastic bags when microwaving because these materials can leach endocrine disruptors, including bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, into food they touch.

Instead, to keep food moist, reduce messes and ensure ingredients cook through, cover items with wax paper, parchment paper, paper towels or a domed lid. When “baking” in the microwave, Sharp (which manufactures these appliances) suggests using parchment-paper cupcake liners inside mugs.

Nuke like a pro

When cooking for one in the microwave, rely on a standard ceramic mug, which accommodates the ideal amount of food for a single portion. In general, opt for a 16-ounce vessel, if possible, to avoid spillovers. In addition to covering food when microwaving, grease the inside of the mug with cooking spray to simplify cleanup. Because these sprays do tend to pool to the bottom of mugs, though, Sharp recommends using a silicone basting brush to spread the fat up the sides of the vessel, as well.

If your pantry, fridge and freezer are well-stocked, you’ll be able to prepare breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks and sweets at a moment’s notice. So load up on canned beans, jarred salsa and tomato sauce, boxed broth, shredded cheese, extra-firm tofu, and frozen fruits and vegetables.

To increase your meal options, each week, cook one or two types of whole grains (such as brown rice and quinoa) and a protein (like ground turkey). Finely chop a bunch of vegetables, such as green onions, carrots, bell peppers and broccoli. Then combine these components in various ways in the greased mug, cover and microwave until the mixture is hot, the fruits or vegetables are tender, and the cheese is melted.

Read on for specific meal and treat ideas, always greasing the inside of your mug before adding ingredients.

Zap up breakfast

In many ways, the microwave shines most when it comes to breakfast cooking. Think oatmeal and eggs.

• Oatmeal: For an almost-instant morning meal, in a mug, stir together a ratio of 2-to-1 liquid (such as coconut milk or apple juice, applesauce and almond milk) to raw quick or old-fashioned oats. Stir in fat (such as almond butter), fruit (such as mashed banana), seasonings (such as salt and cinnamon) and sweetener (such as chopped dates or honey), if desired. Cover and microwave until the oats are tender, about two minutes. Get creative with the flavors, such as peanut butter and banana or cherry cinnamon.
• Poached Eggs: Pour about ½ cup water into a mug. Crack an egg into the water, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and weigh down with a small microwave-safe container that fits inside the mug (such as a ramekin). Cook until the white is opaque and the yolk still molten, about one minute and 45 seconds (check after one minute). Carefully drain off the water and transfer the egg to a plate or atop a slice of wheat toast or sweet potato “toast.” Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Hot Fruit Parfait: In a mug, stir together frozen fruit (such as chopped mango or pitted sweet cherries), a pinch of salt and a pinch of cinnamon. Cover and microwave until the fruit is tender and hot, about seven minutes. Top with Greek yogurt, chopped toasted nuts and perhaps some shredded unsweetened coconut.

Lunch in a jiffy

Dinner in a flash

Go sweet on the microwave

The appliance does wonders with fruit, whether fresh or frozen. Try these healthful takes, ideal for snacks or desserts.

• “Baked” Apple: To a mug, add a small sweet apple, cored and hollowed out. Sprinkle with cinnamon and salt, and drizzle with a bit of apple juice. Top with granola and raisins and some diced cold butter. Cover and microwave until tender, one to two minutes. Top with Greek yogurt and toasted chopped nuts.
• Warm Fruit Soup: Combine frozen fruit (such as cherries or mango), fruit pulp (such as mango), and a pinch of salt and cinnamon or nutmeg. Cover and nuke until the fruit is tender and hot, about three minutes. Top with Greek yogurt.
• Melted Dark Chocolate With Fresh Fruit: In a mug, microwave dark chocolate chips in 20-second increments until they are just beginning to melt, stirring occasionally (do not let scorch). Serve with fresh fruit, such as apple, orange or banana slices, for dippers.

RECIPES

Apple Pie Oatmeal

A much lighter version of apple pie, this warm breakfast just might become a staple at your house. Be sure to use quick-cooking oats.

• ½ cup milk (cow or plant)
• ½ cup quick-cooking oats
• ¼ cup plus 2 Tbs. applesauce
• 2 Tbs. apple juice
• ¼ tsp. kosher salt
• ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon

Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl, and mix well. Pour into a 12-oz. mug. Cover and microwave until the oats are cooked, about 2 minutes.

From Mug Meals: Delicious Microwave Recipes (Taunton Press, 2015); text © 2015 by Dina Cheney; photographs © 2015 by Andrew Purcell

Beef and Bean Chili

Choose a high-quality salsa for this recipe (such as Frontera or Green Mountain Gringo). If you’re vegetarian, omit the meat and double the beans. For a low-sodium variation, use low- or no-salt beans.

• ½ cup canned black or pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• ½ cup (about 3 oz.) cooked ground beef
• ½ cup high-quality salsa
• 1 tsp. thinly sliced trimmed scallions
• ¼ tsp. kosher salt
• 1 tsp. finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves
• About 6 tortilla chips
• 1 tsp. guacamole, for serving
• 1 tsp. sour cream, for serving

In a small bowl, stir together the beans, beef, salsa, scallions, and salt, and pour into a 12-oz. mug. Cover and microwave until hot, about 2 minutes. Sprinkle with the cilantro and insert chips around the edges. Serve with the guacamole and sour cream.

From Mug Meals: Delicious Microwave Recipes (Taunton Press, 2015); text © 2015 by Dina Cheney; photographs © 2015 by Andrew Purcell

Moroccan Pumpkin and Chickpea Stew

This vegetarian entrée is full of flavor. To make it vegan, swap agave nectar for the honey.

• ¾ cup low-sodium vegetable stock
• ½ cup canned pumpkin or butternut squash purée
• ½ cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• ¼ cup fresh spinach leaves, washed and patted dry
• 1 tsp. honey
• ⅛ tsp. ground cumin
• ⅛ tsp. ground coriander
• ⅛ tsp. ground cinnamon
• ⅛ tsp. kosher salt
• Toasted country bread, for serving

Combine the stock, pumpkin or squash, chickpeas, spinach, honey, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl, then pour into a 16-oz. mug. Cover and microwave until hot and the spinach is cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes. Serve with the bread.

From Mug Meals: Delicious Microwave Recipes (Taunton Press, 2015); text © 2015 by Dina Cheney; photographs © 2015 by Andrew Purcell

Video credit: SaddamStock, Getty Images
Photo credit: franckreporter, Getty Images; wmaster890, Getty Images; AndreyPopov, Getty Images; Foxys_forest_manufacture, Getty Images; Andrew Purcell; JoaBal, Getty Images

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