Make Your Own Microwave Popcorn
Well, we certainly celebrated National Popcorn Day with a bang! To make the most of such a delicious theme, we decided to experiment with homemade microwave popcorn. Turns out, making your own microwaveable popcorn packets is simple and quick, and the kernels pop up fresh, hot and delicious! We think the best part is that you can control the salt, fat and additives that make it into your snack. It’s a great way to harness the whole-grain goodness of popcorn!
To start, measure ¼ cup of popcorn kernels into a bowl. We love using our white popcorn kernels for this snack, but ladyfinger popcorn kernels and mushroom popcorn kernels also pop up nice and fluffy. If desired, toss the kernels with about 2 tsp. of olive oil or vegetable oil, as well as a sprinkling of salt. Our butter-flavored popcorn salt gives it that nice, movie-theater touch, but our finely ground flour salt is also perfect popcorn seasoning because it really sticks to the popped kernels.
Pour the kernels into a plain brown paper lunch bag and fold the top of the bag over two or three times. If desired, you can secure the fold with Scotch tape, but we didn’t find it to be necessary. Place the bag flat on its side with the folded edge pointing up and microwave it for two to three minutes on high. Stand in front of the microwave the whole time to monitor the popping. When there’s a three- to five-second lag between pops, stop the microwave and remove the bag.
Pour the popcorn into a bowl and season it with melted butter, Parmesan cheese or even a little more salt and some pepper. We also like to use a sprinkling of our yummy seasoning blends and spices to make it extra-special.
You don’t have to include the oil in the popcorn. We liked the extra flavor it gave to the kernels, but the popcorn pops up fine without it. Likewise, you can cut the salt if you’re watching your intake, dust it with some cinnamon and sugar if you’re craving something sweet, or even eat it plain. It’s up to you!
Have you ever made homemade microwave popcorn? What are some of your secrets and special touches?
2 Responses to “Make Your Own Microwave Popcorn”
I’ve been making microwaved organic popcorn in a paper bag for years! It’s the only way. 😀 I must say you really covered all the bases with your recipe and then some. I’ve always popped it without oil, but I think I’ll have to give that a try this weekend. Change is good!
Wow! Kewl!!! Thanks…my son will love to know this since I banned prepackaged popcorn and he’s not keen with pots on the stovetop. Love your ideas and healthy recipes to help us along in this ever changing food market.