Perfect Stove-Top Popcorn

Maybe because it's Saturday.  Maybe because you're hungry. Or maybe because you're tired of the microwave version.  Regardless of the reason I'm glad you're here.  Let's make popcorn. 

Popcorn is the perfect snack.  It's fun to eat, delicious, and unless you're avoiding eating corn, everyone can have some.  I find it fascinating that up until now I've been using prepackaged microwave bags to make my popcorn.  They may seem convenient, but they're pretty pricey and it's really hard to find ones without butter.  Once I realized how simple, cheap, and quick it is to make popcorn from scratch on the stove I knew I'd never go back to those microwave bags.  

 

The only supplies that you need are popcorn kernels, a large pot with a lid, and some cooking oil.  I thought it would be fun to use coconut oil and give my popcorn a light coconut flavor.  If you're not a coconut fan, you can use any other oil: olive, canola, grapeseed, safflower, avocado, etc.  I also really like using almond or peanut oil for a nice popcorn flavor.  

Perfect Stove-Top Popcorn

Yields: 12 cups of popcorn

Serves 2 - 4 people

Ingredients:

1/4 cup coconut oil (or any oil of your choice)

1/2 cup corn kernels

Sea Salt

Supplies:

1 large pot with lid (Note: it needs to be large enough for the popcorn to be in one layer.  If your pot is smaller, decrease the amount of oil and corn kernels.)

Place your pot on the stove, add your coconut oil, and turn to medium heat.  Let sit for 2 - 3 minutes until hot.  Add your popcorn kernels and cover with the lid.  Your corn should begin to pop within 1 - 2 minutes. The popping should become more rapid as the oil gets hotter.

When the popping begins to slow down, remove the pan from the heat and let sit (with the lid on) for several minutes.  Remove the lid (beware of steam) and transfer popcorn to a bowl.  Season with sea salt and/or other toppings as desired.