Grease a 150 mm. (6") diameter shallow microwave safe dish using soft butter. Line it with a piece of greaseproof pepper at the bottom of the dish and again grease it using a little soft butter.
Sieve the plain flour and baking powder and keep aside.
Combine the curds and baking soda in a bowl, mix well and keep aside.
Combine the butter, sugar and ΒΌ cup of hot water in another bowl and mix well using a whisk.
Add the curds-baking soda mixture, plain flour-baking powder mixture and vanilla essence and mix well to make a smooth batter.
Pour the batter into the greased microwave safe glass dish and microwave on high for 4 minutes.
Remove from the microwave and keep aside to cool for 5 minutes.
Loosen the edges with help of a butter knife and unmould. Remove the butter pepper and discard it.
Use as required.
I used this Vanilla Sponge Cake with chocolate fondue.
