For every Indian home, cooking usually starts in the same way, i.e. lighting the gas stove and beginning with the day’s meals. But over the past few weeks, that simple routine has taken a shift. With the continued LPG shortage that has been triggered by the global supply troubles, households and eateries alike are feeling the pressure. India relies heavily on LPG, which is imported, and hold on shipments have led to a rise in prices, delivery backlogs, and fixed availability.

Across cities, many restaurants have cut menus, switched to faster-cooking dishes that consume less gas, or shifted to options like electric appliances and even firewood just to keep kitchens running, because after all, food is a basic necessity for all. For home cooks, this has led to a rethink of how to manage everyday meals, what can be cooked faster, and what can be made without using the gas stove at all.

Masala Noodles Bowl

A bowl of hot noodles is a comfort food that can adapt to any moment. In the microwave, the noodles turn soft quickly while absorbing a deeper and thicker masala flavour than stove versions. To make it even more of a full meal, simply add frozen peas, leftover sabzi, or even a slice of cheese that will instantly melt into the broth, giving the noodles a richer feel. The texture remains slurp-worthy, but with a creamier base that sticks to the noodles. It has a familiar taste and is quick to make without you having to put any effort.

(Image credit: Freepik)

One-Bowl Vegetable Rice

For this, you do not need to cook everything from scratch, but simply transform what you already have. In a microwave-safe bowl, mix the cooked rice, chopped vegetables of your choice, a dash of soy sauce, and a little oil or butter. Microwave it for about 3–4 minutes, stirring halfway through. What you get in the result is a light but satisfying bowl, with bursts of crunch from vegetables and warmth from the rice. You can also add some peanuts or paneer cubes to give it some extra texture. It is the kind of meal that does not feel like a compromise at all, even when you are performing around limitations.

Also read: 4 Microwave Eggless Mug Cake Ideas

Microwave Idli Bowl

This idli will feel like a shortcut, but in a comforting way rather than a replacement. The batter puffs into a soft, airy structure and is also slightly more moist than the traditional steamed idlis. What makes this idli bowl more satisfying is how easily you can tweak it; simply mix in some crushed curry leaves, green chillies, or even bits of leftover vegetables to give it additional flavour. The top remains smooth, whereas the inside is soft, spongy and light. Once cooked, take it out of the bowl, cut into pieces and drizzle with ghee or podi; to get the same familiar warmth and taste, just with a quicker, more casual approach to cooking.

(Image credit: Freepik)

Mug Upma

Mug upma is a simplified version without losing its comfort. The sooji gets cooked to a soft, fluffy consistency, soaking up all the flavours without having to constantly stir or look after it. In a bowl, mix some roasted sooji, water, salt, mustard seeds, and some chopped vegetables. Microwave this for about 3 to 5 minutes. In the microwave, the upma turns a little more moist, almost like a cross between upma and a savoury pudding. Add some roasted peanuts for some extra crunch or a squeeze of lemon to brighten up its taste. The flavours settle in beautifully rather than feeling sharp, making it easy to eat. Apart from just saving the gas alone, it’s the kind of dish that also works well for rushed and busy mornings.

Microwave Egg Bhurji

This version of bhurji is more delicate, almost creamy. Crack open eggs in a bowl, add some chopped onions, tomatoes, green chillies, salt, and a pinch of turmeric. Whisk it lightly and microwave in short bursts, while stirring in between, until softly scrambled. The result you get is a quick, fluffy egg bhurji without using a pan. The result is less dry, softer, and easier to scoop straight from the bowl, which you can pair with bread or even roti. It gets cooked in under 3 minutes and feels like a proper, protein-packed meal, and not like an option. 

Chocolate Mug Cake

Not every meal has to be savoury, and this mug cake is the perfect example of it. In a mug, mix flour, cocoa powder, sugar, milk, and a little oil. Microwave this for about 1–2 minutes until you see the cake rise and set. The texture of the cake is soft, a bit gooey in between, and extremely comforting. It is also perfect for those moments when you want to have something sweet without going through a whole baking process. Easy everyday ingredients, little effort, and zero gas, this chocolate mug is just a quick treat that feels like a small reward.