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Have you heard of a singing swede? As the humble swede can sometimes be a tricky vegetable to prepare, this method of cooking takes away the need for peeling and chopping. Here’s how to make a singing swede with a simple recipe and a few hints and tips too.
Although I love swede, it’s not something I buy very often. My husband doesn’t like it and preparing it can be a faff.
However, I recently ended up with one when my husband mistook the word ‘suet’ for ‘swede’ on a shopping list I’d written. He had actually also purchased the suet so no idea what happened there!
It had been sitting in my fridge for a while and I had been wondering what I could do with it. That’s when I decided to give making a singing swede a try.
What Is A Singing Swede?
A singing swede is thus called because it makes a whistling (or singing noise) as it cooks in the microwave. It might also be called a ‘whistling swede’.
Cooking a swede in the microwave is a popular choice for several reasons:
- No need to prep the swede – I used to be a chef and even with my best knives I find the process difficult and time-consuming. Perfect if you love swede (and let’s face it swede is delicious) but don’t want the hassle.
- The swede doesn’t become watery which often happens when you boil it. I think a singing swede has a much better flavour than a boiled swede.
- Better flavour means less need to add salt and butter – I know singing swedes are popular among those who follow the Slimming World diet plan.
- Microwaving means it can be made even if your cooker or oven is out of action.
- Great make-ahead dish for Christmas s it can be frozen and easily reheated.
When the swede is cooked, you simply slice through it and scoop out the cooked flesh. In all honesty, it’s very similar to microwaving a jacket potato – just on a slightly larger scale.
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How To Cook A Swede In The Microwave (Swede Microwave Hack)
This recipe takes you through all the steps you need to be able to cook a swede in the microwave. However, if you want the super quick version, simply wrap the swede in some kitchen towel, place it on a plate and microwave on high for 25-30 minutes.
Appliances do vary slightly as does the size of a swede so you want to check your swede a couple of times during cooking.
Once cooked, the swede can also be reheated in the microwave.
Tips For Making A Singing Swede (whistling swede)
Here are a few tips to help you when making a singing swede.
- Always wrap the swede in a few sheets of kitchen towel before putting it in the microwave. The swede excretes a sticky glue-like substance as it cooks, and the kitchen towel will absorb this and save you from having to clear up a sticky mess.
- Put the swede on a plate before microwaving – again this stops mess in your microwave and makes it easy to remove the swede as it’ll be getting pretty hot. Just ensure the plate is microwave-safe before using.
- As appliances vary so much, you want to check and turn your swede during cooking. I made my singing swede in ten-minute increments but found it was cooked after 25 minutes in a 750-watt microwave. It may take longer in a less powerful microwave so just keep an eye on it as it cooks.
Can I Freeze A Singing Swede?
Yes, once you’ve scooped out the cooked flesh of the swede, it can be seasoned and prepared to your liking before being frozen. Remember to let the swede cool before putting in the freeze. See this post for more details on how to freeze cooked swede.
