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Easy Stovetop Popcorn (with Microwave option)


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5 from 1 review

Description

Making homemade popcorn cannot get any easier. It’s cheap, easy and the perfect healthy snack. Learn how to make your own crunchy popcorn on the stovetop or even in the microwave! You’ll get popcorn that’s ready in just a few minutes and is so good you’ll never need to buy popcorn again.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup popcorn kernels (I used yellow kernels, but white kernels are fine too)
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or more as desired)

Instructions

  1. Melt the coconut oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot (I used a 6-quart Dutch oven) over medium-high heat. Add three popcorn kernels and cover the pot. Wait to hear the kernels pop. 
  2. Once the three kernels have popped, remove them from the pot and add the rest of the kernels. Cover the pot and remove the pot from heat for the next 30 seconds (this is important to prevent the oil from getting too hot, and to prime the kernels to get ready to pop around the same time).
  3. Once the 30 seconds is over, return the pot to the heat. As the kernels start to pop, place the lid slightly ajar so that the steam that is building up inside the pot can escape. This is ensure that you get crunchy popcorn instead of soggy popcorn.
  4. Shake the pot slightly to allow the kernels to get heated evenly, and when the popping has slowed to 1 pop every few seconds, remove the pot from the heat immediately. Transfer the popcorn to a large serving bowl and sprinkle salt over evenly.

Notes

Use a Good Heavy Bottom Pot: It’s important to use a good-quality heavy bottom pot to ensure that heat is evenly distributed as the popcorn cooks. I use a 6-quart Dutch oven, but any good pot will also do.

Popcorn Kernels: Make sure you use kernels that are meant to be popped, as nor all corn kernels can pop. Check that the kernels you buy state that they are to be used to make popcorn.

Microwave Popcorn option: You can also make popcorn in the microwave, and it’s super easy. Place 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a microwave-proof bowl and mix well to coat the kernels with the oil. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe plate and cook on high heat in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes until the popping slows to about 1 pop every few seconds. Important: Do not use plastic or metal bowls or plates because plastic will melt in the microwave and metal will explode!

Healthy Popcorn Seasonings: you can add a sprinkle of sea salt for the most basic option (also my favorite), or red chili powder or ground paprika if you like some heat, or ground black pepper, or even melted butter if you love the buttery popcorn taste.

Adapted from: Cookie + Kate and Simply Recipes

  • Cook Time: 10 mins
  • Category: Snacks
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American