Popcorn That Pops

 RSS    

Whether you're looking for a quick afternoon snack or packing for a weekend camping trip, popcorn has you covered. Fresh homemade popcorn is as light as air and satisfyingly crunchy. Tossed with some melted butter and sprinkled with salt, it becomes an irresistible treat.

But to make popcorn with flavors that really pop, turn to your spice drawer. A few pinches of chili powder and cumin mixed into the melted butter gives popcorn a Southwestern spin. Cinnamon and sugar make a sweeter version of this favorite snack, while curry powders and other spice blends are popcorn seasonings just waiting to happen.

Once you start experimenting with your favorite spices and seasonings, it's hard to go back to plain butter and salt!

There are two easy methods for preparing popcorn:

1. Pour a teaspoon of canola oil in the bottom of a heavy pot with a lid (at least 4-quarts). Let this warm over medium-high heat until you can see the oil shimmer and it flows smoothly. Add a third of a cup of popcorn kernels and swirl the pan to coat them with oil. Put the lid on and set the pan back on the heat.

You'll hear the popcorn as soon as it starts to pop. Shake the pot every few seconds to redistribute the kernels and occasionally crack the lid to allow steam to escape. Remove the pan from the heat once popping slows. Your popcorn is ready to eat.

2. For the second method, you'll need your microwave, a paper lunch bag, and a bit of faith. Pour all the popcorn kernels into the paper bag and fold the top over a few times to secure it closed. Set the bag on its side in the microwave and cook on HIGH for three to four minutes, until the popping slows.

This microwave method is especially great because it requires no extra oil for popping and doesn't create more dishes to clean. You can also shake the popcorn with the seasonings right in the bag.

SPICY CHILI POPCORN

Serves 2-4

1/3 cup popcorn kernels

1 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika (substitute sweet paprika)

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon table salt

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Prepare the popcorn following your preferred method. Transfer popcorn to a large bowl.

Combine the chili powder, paprika, cumin, table salt, cayenne, and olive oil in a small microwave-safe cup. Heat on HIGH for 15 seconds just to warm the olive oil. Drizzle half of the chili-oil mixture over the popcorn. Stir the popcorn and drizzle with the remaining half.

Use a dinner plate to cover the bowl like a lid. Holding the plate and the bowl together with both hands, shake the popcorn vigorously for several seconds to distribute the ingredients. Uncover and serve.

Store the popcorn in an airtight container or re-sealable plastic bag. It will stay fresh for up to three days.

SWEET AND SALTY POPCORN

Serves 2-4

1/3 cup popcorn kernels

2 tablespoons butter

1 teaspoon table salt

1 tablespoon powder sugar

Prepare the popcorn following your preferred method. Transfer popcorn to a large bowl.

Put the butter in a small microwave-safe cup and microwave it on HIGH in 15-second bursts until it has melted. Whisk in the salt and powder sugar with a fork. Drizzle half of the butter mixture over the popcorn. Stir the popcorn and drizzle with the remaining half.

Use a dinner plate to cover the bowl like a lid. Holding the plate and the bowl together with both hands, shake the popcorn vigorously for several seconds to distribute the ingredients. Uncover and serve.

Store the popcorn in an airtight container or re-sealable plastic bag. It will stay fresh for up to three days.

LEMON-BLACK PEPPER POPCORN

Serves 2-4

1/3 cup popcorn kernels

Zest of one lemon

1/2 ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon table salt

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Prepare the popcorn following your preferred method. Transfer popcorn to a large bowl.

Combine the lemon, black pepper, salt and olive oil in a small microwave-safe cup. Heat on HIGH for 15 seconds just to warm the olive oil. Drizzle half of the lemon-olive oil mixture over the popcorn. Stir the popcorn and drizzle with the remaining half.

Use a dinner plate to cover the bowl like a lid. Holding the plate and the bowl together with both hands, shake the popcorn vigorously for several seconds to distribute the ingredients. Uncover and serve.

Store the popcorn in an airtight container or re-sealable plastic bag. It will stay fresh for up to three days.

 RSS    

MORE RECIPES:   DESSERT | PASTA | SEAFOOD | WOLFGANG PUCK

Recipes

 

More Recipes

Popcorn That Pops - Fresh Homemade Popcorn Recipes

(c) 2010 Emma Christensen