Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, Dairy Free, Vegan
Popcorn is a whole-grain treat that contains “good for you” antioxidants called polyphenols. Polyphenols are a type of natural chemical found in plant foods that help neutralize free radicals that may cause damage to your cells. Popcorn has one of the highest levels of polyphenols of any plant food, and plenty of fiber too!
The healthiest popcorn is made yourself on the stovetop or with a popcorn maker. If you have one, using a hot-air popper eliminates the need for oil and is quick and easy. By putting together popcorn seasonings right in your own kitchen the flavor possibilities are endless. Try this stovetop Curry Popcorn recipe to start, then explore on your own. It only takes 10 minutes and makes 6 cups of popped popcorn.
SERVES: 6
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons oil (canola, peanut, grapeseed, olive or coconut oil can be used)
- ¼ cup organic yellow popcorn kernals (find it in bulk)
- 3-quart covered saucepan
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- ¾ teaspoon turmeric
- ¾ teaspoon ginger
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (or more if you like it hotter)
- Salt (to taste)
- Spray oil or 2 Tablespoons butter or olive oil (optional)*
Directions
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Mix spices together. Set aside.
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Heat the oil in a 3-quart saucepan on medium high heat.
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Put 3 or 4 popcorn kernels into the oil and cover the pan.
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When the kernels pop, add the rest of the ¼ cup of popcorn kernels in an even layer. Cover, remove from the heat for about 30 seconds (this heats up the kernels evenly and when they are put back on the heat they begin to pop at the same time).
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Return pan to the heat. Once popping has begun, gently shake the pan by moving it back and forth over the burner. Keep the lid ajar to let the steam release for drier and crisper popcorn. When the kernels stop popping, or have 5 seconds between pops, remove popcorn from pan and pour into a large bowl.
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Immediately sprinkle spice mixture onto popcorn. Add salt to taste. Shake popcorn gently in the bowl to distribute butter or oil more evenly.
Recipe Notes
To improve how well the spices stick, melted butter and/or oil can be added to the popcorn before the spices are sprinkled, however this increases the fat content. Using a spray oil with butter flavoring instead of butter reduces the amount of fat. Olive oil or coconut oil in a spray dispenser can also be used.