Stovetop Popcorn

Fresh popcorn is a fantastic snack, because it provides great volume (2 cups for 100 calories!), great crunch, and endless flavors. As a whole grain, popcorn is a wonderful source of dietary fiber, but it’s also only as healthy as what you cook it in. We selected fruity, heart-conscious extra virgin olive oil for popping this simple, yet satisfying staple. Try different flavors to spice up your week!

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Stovetop Popcorn

Prep Time
5 mins

Cook Time
5 mins

Makes
8 snack portions

INGREDIENTS

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1/2 cup popcorn kernels

1/2 teaspoon popcorn salt (see tip)

Spice it Up Blends

Cracked Pepper and Rosemary
1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary

Garlic and Oregano
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano

Tex-Mex Spiced
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

DIRECTIONS

Add the oil to a heavy 6-quart pot over medium-high heat.

Allow the oil to heat for 1 minute before adding the popcorn kernels and covering immediately.

Keep the pot covered, and let sit until you hear the first kernel pop. Once popcorn has begun to pop, shake the pot from side to side while still keeping it over the heat.

When popping slows to 3–4 seconds between kernels, remove from heat, and shake for at least 10 more seconds before removing lid.

Immediately transfer the popcorn to a large bowl. Season with salt or spice it up with suggested blends (see ingredients).

Mona’s Tips

Popcorn salt or “superfine salt” is recommended to better stick to the popcorn, but ordinary table salt can be used if it is the only salt you have on hand. You can also make your own popcorn salt by processing table salt in a spice grinder or small blender/food processor for 1 minute.