People can certainly survive and cook meals without a microwave oven by relying solely on an electric stove top. In fact, for much of human history, microwaves did not exist, and people cooked their meals using various traditional methods like stovetops, ovens, open flames, and other cooking tools. Here are some ways people can cook and manage their meals without a microwave:
Stove-top cooking: The electric stove top can be used for a wide range of cooking tasks, such as boiling, simmering, frying, sautéing, and more. Pots and pans of various sizes can be used to accommodate different types of dishes.
Oven cooking: If there is an electric oven available, it can be used to bake, roast, and broil a variety of dishes like casseroles, roasted vegetables, baked goods, and more.
Steaming: Steaming is a healthy and efficient cooking method that can be done on the stove top using a pot with a steamer insert or a bamboo steamer.
Slow cooking: A slow cooker (crock-pot) can be a great alternative for cooking stews, soups, and other one-pot dishes. It allows for long, low-temperature cooking, which can result in tender and flavorful meals.
Boiling water: Boiling water on the stove top can be used for making tea, coffee, pasta, rice, and other boiled dishes.
Food prep techniques: Without a microwave, people may choose to plan their meals more carefully, using techniques like slicing, dicing, and pre-cooking certain ingredients to reduce cooking time.
Leftovers: Reheating leftovers can be done on the stove top or in the oven, which may take a bit longer but still gets the job done.
Sandwiches and salads: For quick meals, people can opt for sandwiches, wraps, salads, or raw food options that do not require cooking.
Batch cooking: Preparing larger quantities of food at once and storing leftovers can save time and effort on subsequent days.
While a microwave oven can be convenient for some specific tasks like quickly reheating or defrosting food, it is not essential for basic cooking and meal preparation. By utilizing the stove top and other traditional cooking methods, people can easily manage their meals without a microwave oven at home.