How To Make Popcorn - A Low-Calorie Snack

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How To Make Popcorn - A Low-Calorie Snack

Thanks to Charles Cretors and his invention and patent of the popcorn (how long does popcorn last?) machine, the odd-shaped, low-calorie snack is synonymous with theatres and concession stands. Homemade popcorn is one of the most popular recipes in Texas.

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While it’s not the most nutritious (not containing many nutrients past fiber) it can undoubtedly be indulged far more than most other snacks in America, homemade popcorn or otherwise.

Alongside potatoes, peppers, and sunflowers, corn was one of the first crops to be mass cultivated in America. Evidence shows it’s been eaten popped thousands of years prior to the birth of Jesus but only became popular as a Great Depression staple.

Before the 30s, popcorn was virtually unheard of. As a great depression formality businesses started to market the grain religiously. The popcorn industry is predicted to grow to $15 billion by 2023 and the trend seems to have picked up again.

What Makes Popcorn Pop?

popcorn kernel

There are six main types of corn grown around the world: flint corn, dent corn, pod corn, flour corn, and sweet corn. Corn producers breed a specialized type of flint corn that is ideal for popping. Two widespread examples are mushroom or butterfly popcorn kernels (how long does popcorn kernels last?).

The reaction of pocorn kernel to popped corn is a simple one. All corn naturally contains some moisture. As the water in the popcorn kernels heats up, it converts to steam, pressure in the hard popcorn kernel.

Once the pressure is too much for the hull to contain it, the popcorn kernel bursts and can expand up to 50 times its own size!

Equipment, Ingredients & More

Popcorn

Popping the corn in a wok gives you the opportunity to endlessly customize with things like chocolate, caramel, even things like sour patch kids (how long do sour patch kids last?). How you add those toppings depends on what you’re using.

There is only one piece of equipment required for popcorn: a wok and a lid. Given the versatility of woks and the price of a reliable popcorn machine, it’s well worth it. It’s also nearly impossible to properly tailor your popcorn using a machine.

The two essential ingredients to good popcorn are simply popcorn kernels and some neutral, high-smoke point oil, like canola or sunflower. Extra ingredients are what make homemade popcorn special! Salt, powdered sugar, and melted butter to name the most mundane toppings.

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There are two ways of customizing popped popcorn: you can melt the confectionary you’re using into the oil and pop it with the corn, or make it one the side, like caramel or chocolate sauce, and then pour over after.

How to Make Popcorn

how to make popcorn

Start with your wok on the stove over high heat. Add a tablespoon or two of oil to the hot wok, and distribute it around the surface. This would be the time to melt in any chocolate, truffle, or confectionery you choose.

Add the popcorn kernels, close the lid, turn the heat down to low. The popcorn kernels should start popping after two odd minutes. Pop the corn, by constantly tossing it in the wok to distribute the candy and prevent burning.

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Different Methods Of Preparation

If you are still wondering how to make popcorn, then check out these list of popcorn recipe:

1.Homemade Microwave Popcorn

You won't believe how simple it is to make the most delicious microwave popcorn with this trick! It is one of the most popular recipes for a quick snack. Make use of these hints and suggestions to ensure that your next movie night is filled with delicious snacks that provide a wide variety of taste profiles.

If you make microwave popcorn at home using a brown paper bag, you may save money without compromising the delicious taste or the ease of use.

Ingredients:

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Instructions:

  • Put the popcorn kernels and oil into a small bowl and mix them. Place the coated corn in a paper bag made of brown paper and then season it with salt.

  • To create a seal, fold the open top of the bag over twice. Place the bag in the microwave so that it is standing up.

  • Cook in the microwave on high for two and a half to three minutes or until there are pauses of approximately two seconds between the popping sounds.

  • Open the bag with caution to prevent releasing any steam, and then pour the contents into a serving bowl. If desired, flavor with more spices or melted butter to complete serving your microwave popcorn.  

2. Perfect Stovetop Popcorn / Popcorn On The Stove

This "old-fashioned" way of popping popcorn on the stove is probably one that you are already acquainted with. Some individuals claim that the perfect stovetop popcorn tastes much better than homemade microwave popcorn.

Discover the answer for yourself with this quick and simple homemade popcorn on the stove recipe for Movie Star Popcorn from Kali. This perfect stovetop popcorn has a high smoke point. Peanut oil is one of my go-to cooking oils, but if you suffer from peanut allergies, you should use vegetable oil, or olive oil instead.

Ingredients:

  • A pot with a lid ranging from 2-3 quarts

  • Three tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil, olive oil)

  • butter equivalent to 2 tablespoons

  • 1/2 cup of unpopped popcorn (available for $5 on Amazon)

  • ½ teaspoon salt (or kosher salt)

Instructions:

  • In a saucepan, bring the oil to temperature over medium-high heat.

  • The popcorn kernels should be poured in, and a little covering of salt should be sprinkled on top of them. After adding the butter to the saucepan, cover it with the lid to keep it warm.

  • Shake the pan back and forth across the burner as soon as the popcorn kernels pop. Continue doing this until the popping slows down.

  • Take the pan off the heat when the pops are about two seconds apart.

  • Pour into a serving dish, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

  • Your popcorn on the stove is ready.

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3. Cooking Popcorn in an Instant Pot

Those who own an Instant Pot and are excited to try out new popcorn recipes will be happy to find that this multi-use device has yet another use.

Make popcorn from scratch with it by using it! The most exciting part? You don't need to be concerned about grease splatters happening on your stove.

Ingredients:

  • Cooking under pressure in an electric pressure cooker (such as an Instant Pot®),

  • Two tablespoons of coconut oil

  • 1/2 cup of unpopped popcorn (available for $5 on Amazon)

  • Rubber Spatula Instant Pot glass cover (available for purchase on Amazon for $12).

  • 1 milligram of salt, to taste

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Instructions:

  • Start the pressure cooker, then choose the option "High Saute" from the menu. When the cooker beeps to signal that the pot is at the desired temperature, add the coconut oil and let it melt.

  • After adding the popcorn kernels, mix them with a rubber spatula until they are completely covered in the coating. After a minute and a half, whisk the mixture once more.

  • Cook for another 5 minutes while the pot is covered with the glass lid. After the first five minutes have passed, switch off the Saute mode and let it rest for one minute or until popcorn kernels pop has fully subsided.

  • Place the popcorn in a big bowl and season it with salt once you've done so. If desired, flavor with more spices or melted butter.

4. Making Kettle Corn

Here is a quick popcorn recipe that must be made from Kettle.

Ingredients:

  • Large cooking kettle with a cover

  • ½ cup vegetable oil (or olive oil)

  • 14 cup sugar, either white or brown

  • 1/2 cup unpopped kernels that have not been popped

  • Chilli powder (optional)

Instructions:

  • In a big saucepan, bring the vegetable oil to a temperature of medium heat. Stir in the sugar and popcorn after the oil has reached the desired temperature. When you hear the popcorn kernels burst, you'll know the oil is at the right temperature. This is a recommendation from some of the reviewers.

  • To prevent the sugar from catching fire, keep the lid on the pot and shake it often while it's on the stove. Please remove it from the heat after the popping has calmed down to occurring once every two seconds.

  • Shake for a few more minutes until there is no popping sound from the container.

  • Pour the mixture into a big basin, then set it aside to chill. Regular stirring is required to prevent the formation of big clumps.

5. Making Caramel Corn

 However, despite its widespread popularity, gourmet caramel corn may be rather pricey. Why not create your handmade version to enjoy for yourself or to give as presents to other people?

Ingredients: 

  • A very large bowl

  • Medium saucepan

  • 1 pound of butter

  • Two measuring cups of dark sugar

  • half a cup of corn syrup (how long does corn syrup last?), one teaspoon of salt, one-half of a teaspoon of baking soda (how long does baking soda last?)

  • One teaspoon of vanilla essence for every five quarts of popped corn.

  • Nutritional yeast (optional)

Instructions:

  • Naturally, you will first pop your popcorn, and you may choose to do it using any of the techniques described above! After it has popped, the popcorn should be placed in a big bowl. The oven should be preheated at 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • Begin by bringing the butter to a simmer in a pot of medium size over medium heat. Mix in the corn syrup, brown sugar, and salt until well combined.

  • Bring the mixture up to a boil while continuously stirring it. After that, let it boil for four minutes without stirring. Take the pan off the heat and mix the baking soda and vanilla until combined. Pour the mixture over the popcorn in a narrow stream while swirling to coat it.

  • Put the mixture into two big shallow baking pans, and then bake it in an oven that has been warmed for an hour, stirring it every 15 minutes. After the allotted time has passed, take the dishes out of the oven and wait for the popcorn to cool thoroughly before breaking it into pieces.

6. Making Popcorn in a Wok

Even though it seems counterintuitive, using a wok to make popcorn on the stove is one of the most efficient ways to get the job done. Thanks to its broad and slanted surface, you won't have to worry about anything being burned, which makes it easy to shake and throw the popcorn.

More About Popcorn

Now that we've covered the basics, let's explore more advanced techniques for creating popcorn. However, we haven't even begun to scratch the surface of all the creative ways you may spruce it up! If you're seeking ideas on how to make popcorn, you don't need to go any further.

This Sriracha-Lime Popcorn will surely be a hit with spice fans and those who want a little tang every time. Those with a passion for Italian cuisine need not look any further than this Italian Popcorn with Parmigiano, seasoned with Italian seasoning, garlic salt, (how long does garlic salt last?) olive oil, and freshly grated Parmigiano cheese.

And popcorn balls and snack mix are two more things that must not be forgotten. Feel free to go through our collection of popcorn recipes for additional ideas.

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Health Benefits of Popcorn

It is simple to see why many people believe that a large bucket of popcorn purchased at the movie theater popcorn on the stove may be considered a healthy snack. Popcorn has a significant amount of dietary fiber and often a low-calorie count and that is why it is also a great snack for kids.

However, before you start stuffing handfuls of popcorn into your mouth as the opening titles roll, you need to exercise caution since not all popcorn is the same.

An effectively superfood popcorn that has been popped in the air and is barely seasoned. This is because it is a whole grain, and diets rich in fiber that includes whole grains have been associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, some malignancies, and other health issues.

The United States Department of Agriculture recommends that half of all grains eaten be whole grains, and one serving of popcorn has more fiber than an equivalent amount of whole-wheat bread.

Consuming popcorn may have a few advantages to one's health. Besides having a high fiber content, Popcorn also has a good amount of phenolic acids, which are a sort of antioxidant. This is true for popcorn on the stove, microwave popcorn, or any other type of popcorn.

In addition, popcorn is a whole grain, an essential food category that may lower a person's risk of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure.

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Lower Risk of Diabetes

It is well recognized that individuals may get various health advantages from consuming whole grairefreshing and guilt-free summer treat.onstrated to lessen the chance of developing type 2 diabetes, particularly for middle-aged men and women. This is one of the most significant advantages of consuming whole grains.

In addition, popcorn has a low glycemic index (GI), which may make it easier for you to keep your blood sugar levels stable and prevent the fluctuations linked with eating foods with a high GI. Diabetes type 1 and 2 patients may see improvements in blood glucose and lipid levels by following diets high in foods with a low glycemic index (GI).

Reduced Possibility of Developing Heart Diseases

It has been shown that eating a diet high in fiber, of which popcorn is an excellent source, may lower one's chance of developing cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease. Popcorn is an excellent snack that may add to your daily fiber intake, which is significant since fiber is an essential component of a healthy diet.

Reduced Possibility of Developing Hypertension

Eating popcorn without additional salt or butter may help you decrease your blood pressure or reduce the chance of high blood pressure. This benefit is in addition to the fact that eating popcorn reduces the risk of acquiring diabetes and heart disease.

Weight Management

Losing and maintaining one's ideal weight might be difficult for many people. Homemade popcorn, such as popcorn on the stove, solves the problem of snacking that won't cause you to put on weight.

This major health advantage is partially attributable to the food's high fiber content, in addition to the low-calorie count it has. Because of these characteristics of the food, it has the potential to help individuals feel fuller than they would after eating a snack that is less healthful and higher in fat.

There is a significant amount of fiber and antioxidants in popcorn, which may aid in preventing certain severe diseases. In addition to these essential components, the following nutrients may be found in popcorn:  

  • Pantothenic acid Folate Niacin Riboflavin Thiamin Folate Niacin

  • Vitamin B6 Vitamin A Vitamin E Vitamin K Nutrients per Serving

    The following nutrients may be found in a serving size of three cups of air-popped popcorn:  

  • Calories: 93

  • Protein: 3 grams

  • Carbohydrates: 18.6 grams

  • Fiber: 3.6 grams

  • Sugar: 0.2 grams

  • Fat: 1.1 grams

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Final Thoughts

Remember that popcorn's health advantages might be reduced or eliminated if the snack is prepared with a significant amount of butter and salt. These additional additives can potentially increase the amount of saturated fat in popcorn, ranging from 20 to 57 grams in certain cases.

It's vital to remember that eating plain popcorn is the best way to get the health advantages of this snack. Use a little salt or a healthy oil if you want an extra taste. For a great taste every time, make sure to add your favourite toppings to the popcorn.

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