Popcorn is one of the healthiest snacks all over the world with great nutritional value.
One can make popcorn easily at home.
Stovetop popcorn is one of the cheapest as well as most delicious snacks, which is enjoyed by all.
Learning to make stovetop popcorn is very easy and fun.
But following some simple instructions, one can easily make popcorn at home.
All you need is a good pot with a lid, popcorn kernels, oil and salt.
In this article
What is popcorn?
Popcorn is a variety of corn kernel, which when heated, puffs up and expands.
The strong hull of the popcorn kernel contains the hard endosperm with 14-20% moisture.
As the kernel is heated it turns into steam, which causes pressure until the hull ruptures.
This allows the kernel to expand to almost 50 times its original size.
Popcorn is a snack thought to be generated from America thousands of years ago.
Gradually, with time, it has spread all over the world and become the favourite snack for many.
How many carbs are in popcorn?
Carbs are macronutrients needed by our body to create energy.
The body requires carbohydrates to function properly.
Most of the calories in popcorn come from carbs as it is a whole-grain food.
Unlike other snacks, this is much healthier.
Popcorn offers us more carbohydrates with the intake of lesser calories.
Adding to that the benefits of fiber, popcorn is one of the healthiest snacks around.
Why make stovetop popcorn?
Most people get popcorn from the stores or from movie theatres.
But once you make popcorn right in your own home, you will not enjoy any other popcorn.
The sight of corn kernels transforming into popcorn right in front of our eyes is something simply mesmerizing.
Making popcorn at home is not only easy but also very affordable.
You do not have to enjoy that popcorn with extra salt!
it’s possible for you to be your creative own self adding the spices according to your cravings.
Stovetop popcorn is also much easier than microwave popcorn.
Stovetops are also much more economic, providing you healthy delicious snacks for less money!
It provides you with great nutritional value and avoids the ingestion of harmful chemicals like trans fats.
It also tastes better than air-popped popcorn.
Not many foods out there taste good as well as provide good nutritional value, do they?
Best Oil for stovetop popcorn
There are several cooking oil options for making stovetop popcorn.
Olive oil is preferred by most and is the healthiest among all oils.
Coconut oil
Movie theatres often use coconut oil for making popcorn.
you’re free to indeed use avocado oil, grapeseed oil or safflower oil as better options.
Directions
1.
Use a heavy-bottomed pot with a lid
The key to making good stovetop popcorn is even heat distribution.
Using cheap pots can leave you with burnt corn, which is not liked by anyone.
Apply medium heat
The heat should not be very high as high heat would cause the oil to burn.
Giving oil
We need to choose a good oil which gives the popcorn a good flavour.
Then the oil should be heated.
Test the heat
Before popping the corn you should test whether the oil is hot enough to do so.
Once they pop, the oil is ready and it’s possible for you to add the rest.
Let them sit off the heat for a minute.
The extra minute off ensures even popping without burning the oil.
Then keep the pot over medium heat and cover the lid.
Also, ensure to give it a shake often until the popcorn begins to pop.
Then the popped stovetop popcorn should be transferred to a bowl and any old maids should be discarded.
Add salt
Then season with salt according to your taste.
Just be wary to not add too much salt too quickly.
Adding some cracked black pepper can provide a bolder taste to the popcorn.
Kettle corn
This is a bit trickier to make on a stovetop.
The pot should be kept an eye upon so that the sugar does not burn.
Then drizzle the mixture over the popped popcorn and toss so that there is an even coating.
Sprinkle it over the freshly popped popcorn to enjoy a tasty snack.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1.
Can you make stovetop popcorn without oil?
This is not only a much healthier recipe but it also tastes very good.
The recipe is much like the one with oil.
Here you should pour water over the kernels until they are covered but they should not float.
Cover the pot and put it on the burner over medium heat.
After a few seconds, you will begin to hear the popping sound.
Then you should carry on the process similarly and your stovetop popcorn is ready!
Is popcorn a healthy snack?
Popcorn is definitely one of the healthier options among the crunchy, salty snacks we often tend to enjoy.
Popcorn is a whole grain which has a high nutritional value.
It contains carbohydrates, fiber and antioxidants and fewer calories.
The fiber keeps cardiovascular risks in check, reduces blood cholesterol and blood sugar.
Thus it is extremely healthy but adding excess sugar, oils and fats decrease its natural nutrients.
Is popcorn low carb?
Popcorn is not at all low on carbs.
A typical serving of popcorn consists of about 4 cups containing about 30 grams of carbs.
But one need not worry about high-calorie intake because it does not contain high calories.
But many sources have revealed that corn is gluten-free.
Gluten can cause several intestinal problems for those who have celiac diseases or other intestinal problems.
Popcorn, being gluten-free, can be a great evening snack for such individuals.
The ketogenic diet recommends individuals to reduce their carbohydrate intake and instead have fat.
It also provides only 90 calories, so you will also not gain weight.
Popcorns can be made at home easily with the help of stovetop or hot air popcorn makers.
It is also much healthier and besides popcorn makers take up a lot of space in the kitchen.
So make popcorn at home, add a delicious seasoning to it and enjoy it with your family!
