Christmas Dishes in the Microwave

Read in EnglishThe Christmas season is much closer than we think, and it’s time to plan the Christmas dinner menu to share delicious dishes with our loved ones.There are traditional holiday dishes that cannot be missing from such celebrations, like turkey, romeritos, or bacalao. However, we don’t always have enough time or budget to prepare them, as between gifts, gatherings, and various commitments, our schedules and wallets can be very tight. That’s why at kiwilimón, we want to share several ideas for Christmas dishes you can prepare in the microwave that fit within a budget without sacrificing flavor and the joy of treating your family and friends to exquisite preparations. Enjoy the #KiwiAhorroNavideño!Budget-Friendly Christmas Recipes You Can Prepare in the MicrowaveMicrowaves are a marvel of engineering that allows us to heat and cook food easily and quickly. This appliance is a staple in every kitchen because it saves time in preparations. Additionally, it is extremely versatile as it can be used to prepare countless dishes.The microwave will be your best ally in the Christmas dinner as you can prepare side dishes, main courses, and even desserts that will turn out exquisite while saving time and effort. Furthermore, with the recipes we have specially selected for you, you can save money on your Christmas dinner and stay within budget.Side DishesSide dishes cannot be missing from your Christmas dinner, so here are 2 proposals that you can prepare in the microwave. We assure you they will be amazing and will perfectly complement the other dishes on your menu.Mashed PotatoesThe mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that everyone loves. Who could resist their creaminess and great flavor? Moreover, it is a very versatile accompaniment as it pairs well with different dishes. So it will be a guaranteed hit among the guests at your Christmas dinner. In this case, the process is much faster thanks to the microwave, and you will only need a little help from your stove for the final result.Ingredients:3 potatoes, peeled and cut into medium cubeswatersalt1/4 cup of butter, cubed1/2 cup of heavy cream1/2 cup of milkpeppersaltchives, finely choppedPreparation:1. In a microwave-safe bowl, place the potatoes, cover them with water, add salt, and cover with cling film. Cook in the microwave for 5 minutes.2. In a pot, mash the potatoes. Turn on the heat and add the butter, heavy cream, milk, salt, and pepper. Cook the mashed potatoes for 2 minutes.3. Serve the mashed potatoes in a baking dish and garnish with chopped chives.Creamed SpinachIf you want to add a creamy and delicious side dish to your Christmas dinner menu, there’s nothing like creamed spinach. Easy and full of flavor, this spinach will be loved by both kids and adults and will be ready in no time.Ingredients:1 1/2 cups of sour cream1/2 cup of cream cheese5 cups of spinach, washed and finely chopped1/2 teaspoon of nutmegsaltpepperbaguette, sliced, for servingPreparation:1. Place the sour cream, cream cheese, spinach, nutmeg, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well and add the butter. Cover with cling film and make small holes. Cook in the microwave for 6 minutes.2. Serve the creamed spinach hot and accompany it with sliced baguette.You can also read: How to Clean Romeritos Step by StepMain CoursesMain courses are usually the stars of the Christmas dinner and are characterized by their irresistible flavor. If you can't prepare the classic Christmas turkey, the traditional marinated pork loin, or the delicious bacalao a la vizcaína due to time constraints or budget, don’t worry! Here are 2 main course recipes ideal for this holiday season that are budget-friendly and can also be prepared in the microwave to save time and effort.LasagnaLasagna is much easier to make than many think, especially when you can forget the oven and prepare it in the microwave. Plus, you can easily adapt the ingredients to make it more budget-friendly.Ingredients:3 tablespoons of olive oil1 cup of onion, finely chopped, for the sauce2 tablespoons of garlic, finely chopped, for the sauce1 cup of celery, finely chopped, for the sauce1 cup of carrots, diced small, for the sauce1 cup of tomato, diced small500 grams of ground beef, for the saucesalt, for the saucepepper, for the sauce1/2 cup of tomato puree, for the sauce1/2 cup of red wine, for the sauce1 teaspoon of thyme, for the sauce1 teaspoon of oregano, for the sauce1 bay leaf, for the saucelasagna pastaheavy creammanchego cheesePreparation:1. Heat a pan over medium heat and add olive oil, onion, garlic, celery, carrots, tomato, beef, red wine, tomato puree, thyme, oregano, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 20 minutes until the liquid evaporates. Set aside.2. In a baking dish, layer pasta, cream, meat, and cheese, and repeat the steps until the dish is full. Finish with a layer of cheese and microwave for approximately 8 minutes.3. Cut and serve carefully. Enjoy.Green TamalesAnother dish perfect for the Christmas season is these green tamales that we are sure your guests will love, as they will give a more homemade touch to your dinner without sacrificing flavor. Additionally, they are very practical and convenient to prepare because you can make them in the microwave.Ingredients:corn husks, soaked in water8 tomatillos, roasted, for the sauce2 serrano peppers, roasted, for the sauce1/2 onion, roasted, for the sauce1 clove of garlic, roasted, for the sauce1 bunch of cilantro, for the sauce2 tablespoons of vegetable oil1 cup of vegetable shortening, for the tamal dough1 cup of chicken broth, for the tamal dough500 grams of tamal dough, for the tamal dough1 tablespoon of baking powder, for the tamal dough1 cup of cooked and shredded chicken breastPreparation:1. Blend the tomatillo, serrano pepper, onion, garlic, cilantro, and salt. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat and cook for 5 minutes. Set aside.2. Beat the shortening for 3 minutes on medium speed. Add the chicken broth, dough, baking powder, and salt; continue beating until fully integrated.3. Spread a little dough with a spoon over the corn husk. Add some chicken and a bit of salsa. Close the tamale by joining the two ends of the husk and fold the top down. Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.Place the tamales in a baking dish, cover with cling film, and cook in the microwave for 10 minutes.4. Unwrap the green tamale and enjoy it freshly made.DessertsNo Christmas dinner is complete without the sweet touch of a dessert. So here are 2 desserts that you can easily prepare in the microwave that will delight your guests’ palates at your Christmas dinner.Microwave Chocolate CakeA chocolate dessert is perfect for finishing your Christmas dinner on a high note. If you are looking for an easy dessert to prepare, dare to make this microwave chocolate cake that is sure to be a hit among your loved ones.Ingredients:1 1/2 cups of flour4 eggs3/4 cup of sugar3 tablespoons of cocoa3 tablespoons of butter, melted1 tablespoon of vanilla extract1 teaspoon of baking powder1/2 cup of pecans, finely choppedstrawberry, for decorationPreparation:1. Add all the ingredients to the blender and blend for 2 minutes. Pour the mixture into a greased and floured silicone or baking dish, add the nuts, and microwave for 5 minutes. Let cool.FlanEasy, quick, and delicious, this irresistible flan is the ideal dessert for your Christmas dinner menu. Additionally, by preparing it in individual portions, you ensure that all your guests can try it, and no one is left craving something sweet on such a special day.Ingredients:4 eggs1 cup of cream cheese1 cup of sweetened condensed milk1 cup of whole milkcajetastrawberry, for accompanimentPreparation:1. Blend all the flan ingredients perfectly. Set aside.2. In flan molds, place a little cajeta at the bottom. Add flan mixture to ¾ of the mold.3. Microwave for 3 minutes and let rest at room temperature for 20 minutes. Then refrigerate for 30 minutes.4. Unmold and enjoy.You can also read: 3 Drinks and Cocktails to Celebrate New Year'sWith these ideas for dishes from #KiwiAhorroNavideño, you can save time in preparing your Christmas dinner to enjoy this season with your loved ones and treat them with delicious recipes. Remember that at kiwilimón we have the best tips to ensure your Christmas or New Year’s dinner is a complete success. Happy holidays!