Posted under:
Beer and FoodSUPPLIES
- Vegetable or corn oil
- Large, heavy-bottomed pot
- 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels
- Butter and salt to taste
Overview
Today's homemade popcorn typically comes out of the microwave, but that popcorn can often be loaded with preservatives and unhealthy fats and oils. It also seems to burn easily, even with modern conveniences such as preset microwave buttons specifically made for popcorn. Air-popped popcorn is a healthy alternative, but it requires a special air popper, which can be hard to find and difficult to store. Making popcorn on the stovetop uses ingredients and equipment that you probably already have in your kitchen.
Step 1
Pour 3 tablespoons of oil into the pot, swirling to make sure the oil evenly coats the bottom of the pot.
Step 2
Heat the pot on the stove over medium heat for about one minute.
Step 3
While the oil is heating, put your butter into a small saucepan and set the pan on a burner set to low so it can melt while you are popping your popcorn.
Step 4
Pour the kernels into the pot carefully. Stir the kernels, making sure they're all evenly coated with oil, then spread the kernels across the bottom of the pot in a single layer.
Step 5
Put the lid on the pot, setting the lid slightly askew so that steam can escape.
Step 6
Listen for popping sounds. As soon as you start to hear popping, increase the stove's heat to medium-high and start shaking the pot back and forth or side to side over the burner, rolling the kernels around in the oil. Shake until you no longer hear kernels popping.
Step 7
Take the pot of the heat and remove the lid. Pour the popcorn into a large bowl.
Step 8
Pour the melted butter over the popcorn, and stir it around with a large spoon to evenly coat the popcorn with the melted butter.
Step 9
Salt the popcorn to taste, mixing further to spread the salt around.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- TIP : You can add sugar to the popcorn after you butter it to make something like the sweet kettle corn you buy at fairs.
You can play with seasonings and toppings to make flavored popcorn, like cayenne pepper for spicy popcorn, melted peanut butter or garlic salt.
Add just enough oil. The oil should come about halfway up your kernels. If you add too much, your popcorn will be greasy.
- WARNING : Shake the pot somewhat vigorously---but not wildly---while popping the popcorn, or you might burn your popcorn.
Use oil with a high smoking point, like vegetable or corn oil. Oil with a low smoking point may burn before it gets hot enough to pop your kernels.
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