Ideal for a healthy snack or as an extra ‘something’ in the school lunch box, popcorn is tasty, healthy and filling (thanks to the protein in the kernels).
Sure, you can grab popped popcorn from the supermarket, or buy a bag microwave popcorn, but these can contain all kinds of additives. It takes mere minutes to pop your own popcorn, and you can then add as much or as little butter or salt that you like. So, go on, give it go!
Perfectly popped stovetop popcorn
Course: All Recipes, Healthy Snack, Vegetarian, Lunch BoxDifficulty: Easy10
cups5
minutes5
minutesCook with kids, Serving options, Portion options
Ideal for a healthy snack or as an extra ‘something’ in the school lunch box, popcorn is tasty, healthy and filling (thanks to the protein in the kernels). It takes mere minutes to pop your own, and you can then add as much or as little butter or salt that you like. So, go on, give it go!
Ingredients
2-3 tbs coconut oil or vegetable oil
1/3 cup popcorn kernels
Pinch salt, to serve (optional)
1 tbs melted butter, to serve (optional)
Method
- Heat enough oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat to generously cover the base of the pan.
- Add a few popcorn kernels to the pan. Cover.
- Once the kernels pop, quickly remove the lid and add remaining kernels. Allow the popcorn to pop for 3-4 minutes, while gently sliding the pan around the hotplate/burner so the kernels don’t burn. The popcorn is ready when the popping slows down to only 1-2 pops per 2 seconds. Remove pan from the heat.
- Place popcorn in a large bowl and toss through salt and butter, if using. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Watch the video!
Tips and notes
- Need more or less popcorn? 1/4 cup popcorn kernels yields about 7 cups popped popcorn, while 1/2 cup popcorn kernels yields about 15 cups popped popcorn.
- Try a herby garlic seasoning. Just combine ½ tsp dried dill, ½ tsp dried chives, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper. Lightly spray the popcorn with cooking oil spray, then toss through the seasoning until well coated. Serve.
