From the old school crockpot to the new age pancake printer, the amateur chef in each of us craves appliances that will transform our cooking game. Rather than reinventing the wheel and creating new appliances for a specific purpose, some innovators have experimented with existing machines to unlock their untapped potential. One such machine is the dishwasher, which dates back to the 19th century. Dishwashers, as we know them today, are a staple in most American households. They produce spotless dishes with the push of a button, but wait, there’s more! Step aside oven, dishwashers are switching up their role from clean-up crew to food prep masters. They provide enough heat to cook food, and the humid environment is ideal for several items. If the ability to show off to your family and friends isn’t enough, the easier than ever cleanup is sure to win you over. Like some glassware, not every meal is dishwasher safe. Here’s some go-to dishwasher friendly items:
Salmon: Season to your preference and wrap tightly in foil. Run through a regular cycle. *For fish or poultry, use a meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking temperatures have been reached in your food.
Green Vegetables: Place ¼ cup of trimmed asparagus or green beans with a cup of water in a mason jar. Add some olive oil and any other seasonings you like before topping with a lid. Run through one cycle and voila, perfectly steamed veggies.
Potatoes: You may have heard of cleaning potatoes in the dishwasher, but you can cook them too. They cook best if cut into thin slices, about 1/8 of an inch thick. Toss with olive oil and your favorite seasonings, wrap in foil and run through a cycle.
From chicken to lasagna, the internet is full of ideas for dishwasher meals. Not a typo, dishwasher lasagna is a thing. Whether you wash your dishes along with food prep is up to you. Since dishwashers do use a fair amount of energy, simultaneous cooking and cleaning is the eco-friendlier option. Mason jars are the best method for separating food from soapy dishes, but airtight packaging with heavy duty aluminum foil may offer adequate protection.
Written by: Mary Kavanaugh, Wellness Workdays Dietetic Intern
Sources: 1. NPR 2. Huffington Post