Photo The Popcorn Board
Apart from being a deliciously crunchy favorite snack, if you’re looking to eat healthier this year, add popcorn to the top of your snack list. It is naturally low in fat and calories: One cup of air-popped popcorn contains about 31 calories; oil-popped contains about 55 calories per cup; and when lightly buttered, one cup still only has 133 calories. It is naturally sugar-free and non-GMO. Plus, it’s a whole grain: Three cups of popcorn equals one serving from the grain group. These are definitely good reasons enough to celebrate National Popcorn Day Jan. 19—and every day in my book! Plus, while butter and salt are great seasonings, popcorn is a perfect base for a variety of spicy and sweet flavors. Check out the recipes below, courtesy of The Popcorn Board, and a few fun facts to chew on.
Fun Facts
How Does it Pop? Each kernel of popcorn contains a small drop of water stored inside a circle of soft starch. As the kernel heats up, the water expands, creates steam, and cooks the starch inside, turning it into a liquid mass. Pressure builds inside and finally reaches a point that breaks the hull open. The contents inflate and spill out, cooling immediately and forming the “popcorn” shape we know. (Check out this cool video of a kernel popping!) Without that bit of moisture popcorn can’t pop, so it’s important to store it in airtight plastic or glass containers to avoid moisture loss, and in a cool place such as a cupboard. Avoid the refrigerator, though: It usually contains little moisture and can dry out kernels.
Why Popcorn at Movies? Unlike other snacks, popcorn sales increased throughout the Depression. A major reason for this increase was the introduction of popcorn into movie theaters and its low cost for both patron and owner, according to The Popcorn Board. One theater owner actually reduced the price of his theater tickets and added a popcorn machine, and he soon saw huge profits. Many theater owners refused to sell popcorn in their theaters because they felt it was too messy so industrious vendors set up popcorn poppers or rented storefront space next to theaters and sold popcorn to patrons on their way into the theater. Eventually, theater owners began installing popcorn poppers inside their theaters; those who refused to sell popcorn quickly went out of business.
Now, of course, you can easily make popcorn at home to nibble on while watching movies or hanging out with friends. Here are a few ideas for popcorn with a kick of spice and an easy, adaptable idea for entertaining, courtesy of The Popcorn Board. Plus, scroll down for more sweet and savory ideas.
How Much?
Keep in mind that popcorn kernels expand up to 40 times their original size. So 1 ounce, which is 1/8 cup or 2 tablespoons of unpopped kernels will make 4 cups (1 quart) of popped popcorn. Consider how large of a batch you might like to make, and take it from there.
Chili Lime Popcorn Snack Mix
Makes 1 quart
Light and healthy, the chili and lime in this snack mix work perfectly with the whole-grain goodness of popcorn.
1 quart popped popcorn
1 teaspoon nutritional yeast
1 teaspoon lime juice
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
- Preheat oven to 300°F.
- Spread popcorn on a baking sheet.
- Sprinkle yeast, lime juice, chili powder, and salt over popcorn.
- Heat about 7 minutes and toss just before serving. Serve warm.
Photo The Popcorn Board
Create Your Own Popcorn Bar
Yield Varies | Courtesy of The Popcorn Board
What you need:
Freshly popped popcorn to suit the size of your munching bunch.
How To:
Stovetop Popping
- To pop popcorn on a stovetop, cover the bottom of a 3- to 4-quart pan with a thin layer of vegetable oil (don’t use butter, it will burn).
- Place 3 kernels of popcorn in the pan, cover with a loose lid that allows steam to escape, and heat. When the kernels pop, pour in enough popcorn to cover the bottom of the pan, one kernel deep, cover the pan and shake to evenly spread the oil. When the popping begins to slow to a few seconds apart, remove the pan from the stovetop. The heated oil will still pop the remaining kernels.
Topping Options:
Popcorn salt and pepper
Assorted herbs and spices
Nuts (pine nuts, peanuts, slivered almonds, pumpkin seeds, etc.)
Cheese crackers
Pretzel sticks
Dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, apricots, etc.)
Grated cheese
Chocolate chips
Cinnamon, brown sugar, nutmeg
Assembly:
Set out a large bowl of popcorn. Put smaller bowls with various popcorn fixings around the big bowl of popcorn. Let each person fill a paper bag or other container with popcorn and top or mix with their desired flavorings.
Hungry for More?
Whip up sweet and savory popcorn snacks with ingredients you probably have on hand.
Rosemary Parmigiano-Reggiano Popcorn Recipe
Jazz up a healthy popcorn snack with Italian flair and celebrate National Popcorn Day.
Sea Salt Caramel Popcorn Recipe
A sprinkling of coarse sea salt gives this caramel corn a flavor boost for that popular sweet and salty combination.
Gluten-free popcorn brings a different crunch to savory salad.
