How To Make Popcorn Yourself
This article is about one of the most popular, carefree and healthiest snacks that exist: popcorn. However, to avoid large amounts of salt, fat, or sugar, you need to prepare it properly.
Do you only eat popcorn when you go to the movies? Do you buy it ready-made or are you one of those people who quickly reheat it in a bag in the microwave? Do you already know that you can make popcorn yourself at home, and it is easy, quick and cheap?
The best part is that you have control over the servings and the amount of salt and fat you add. Here are some tips for making this delicious snack at home, as well as ideas to give it a different twist. We also analyze its nutritional value.
Nutrients and Benefits of Popcorn
This snack, so famous and widely consumed all over the world, is made from kernels of corn; a special type of them is used, which bursts when exposed to heat. So it’s a whole food food that has its own nutritional values and even offers some health benefits:
- Corn kernels consist mainly of carbohydrates, 9 grams of protein and 5 grams of fat (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids).
- They provide B vitamins and minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, zinc and copper.
- Popcorn also contains antioxidant polyphenols that protect cells from free radical damage.
- It has a good amount of fiber. It has been found that eating a high-fiber diet reduces the risk of problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and obesity.
- Also, popcorn can help you lose weight when consumed as a substitute for other high-calorie snacks. In addition, it has a greater satiety than french fries.
All of these properties are due to the nutrients that corn kernels contain. Therefore , it is good food when eaten in moderate amounts and in its basic form.
It should only be consumed on certain occasions with toppings or dressings such as chocolate, honey or cheese. In everyday life you can achieve a special note with oregano, spices or some cocoa powder.
How to make popcorn yourself at home
It takes 3 basic ingredients and 3 steps to prepare this dish. They are not difficult to come by and can be kept for a long time. So an unexpected cravings can be satisfied immediately.
Required Ingredients
The first step is to source corn kernels that are suitable for making popcorn. This aspect is important, otherwise they won’t get bigger and won’t burst. They can be found in many stores that sell unpackaged groceries. In addition, supermarkets and department stores offer them packaged.
The other two ingredients you will need are salt and a small amount of extra virgin olive oil. This is the most recommended type of oil as it can withstand high temperatures and is a healthy option that you can easily find in the market.
kitchen utensils
In this case, too, the list is short and concise. To make your own popcorn at home, all you need is a frying pan or large saucepan with a lid. The corn kernels need enough space to grow because they can multiply their volume. You will need a salad bowl or small bowls to serve.
Making popcorn yourself: the 3 steps to making it
Now let’s go over the basic home preparation of this snack. As soon as the popcorn is made, you can prepare it individually in a variety of ways and thus have infinite variations.
The amounts of this recipe will give you a bowl of popcorn that is four servings. If you’re a real popcorn fan, you can consider increasing the amounts:
- Pour 2 to 3 tablespoons of oil into the selected pot or container. This amount is necessary to generate enough steam. Set the stove to medium heat.
- Add half a cup of corn kernels. Mix them with the oil, stirring occasionally until the kernels turn to a toasted color. Then cover them up and let them grow bigger.
- After about two minutes, the popcorn makes its characteristic sound. Now shake the pot or container so that the grains mix well. Let him stand a little longer; however, if there is smoke under the lid, turn the heat down. Take the pan off the stove when the popping noise doesn’t occur that often. Lift the lid to keep the popcorn from softening. Immediately serve the popcorn in a bowl or on a serving tray.
How to make a custom snack
Popcorn without any additives with just a touch of salt is already a delicious snack that is hard to resist. But many people like to try out new combinations and flavors. Others eat it so often that they want more variety.
It doesn’t matter which of the two groups you belong to: you can add flavor to your fresh popcorn quickly and easily with various spices and ingredients.
Although everyone has their favorite combinations, here are a few ideas that will give them a special touch:
- With cheese flavor: Spray the popcorn with a little oil (preferably with a sprayer) and sprinkle with grated cheese. For a vegan version, you can also use brewer’s yeast or nutritional yeast flakes.
- Chilli powder: or chilli flakes, if you want a spicy note.
- Spice mix: This is where imagination and individual taste come into play: pepper, turmeric, curry, masala, etc.
- Vinaigrette: Prepare a simple vinaigrette or add a special touch, such as: B. mustard or honey. Pour the mixture into an atomizer and spray the popcorn if it’s already in the bowl.
- For those with a sweet tooth: Simply melt a few ounces (1 ounce = 28.35g) of your favorite chocolate and mix them with the popcorn once it’s done. Alternatively, you can sprinkle raw cocoa over the popcorn.
Making popcorn yourself is easy
All you need to prepare homemade popcorn is special corn, salt and oil. They can be prepared in any pan or pot with a lid, it just has to be big enough because they need space to get bigger. In a few minutes, the popcorn is ready and ready to eat.
Popcorn is a very popular snack that, when made at home, is a healthy option for a meal in between. Even if you are on a weight loss diet, you can still include popcorn in your diet plan. If you pick the right ingredients and don’t go overboard with salt and oil, you can still enjoy popcorn.
