In our family, our favorite “tradition” is movie night. The first night of every weekend, we all gather in the living room and pick a movie to watch together. We usually make homemade pizza (dairy-free), and follow up with the absolute best snack for movie-watching. You guessed it – healthy, homemade popcorn.
Contents
But I thought popcorn was bad for you?
Popcorn is a wonderful treat. Corn is relatively low in phytic acid, and according to The Weston A. Price Foundation, when you consume it in conjunction with healthy saturated fats, the phytic acid is lowered even more. (Why should we avoid phytic acid? Read here and here for more information.)
Microwave popcorn, however, is absolutely terrible for your body.
I am sorry to say this. I know how convenient it is to pop a bag into the microwave and have it ready in under 4 minutes. . . and yet. . . I don’t know about you, but I think the stuff tastes terrible. If you’ve never tried frying your own popcorn, prepare to be amazed. You’ll never be able to go back, I can almost guarantee it.
What’s more, it can be healthy, as well as inexpensive! Here’s the recipe we use each week for healthy, homemade popcorn. Since our family can’t have dairy at present, we use coconut oil. You can also use – yum – bacon grease. (Learn how to strain your bacon grease for later use here.) Each oil will leave its own distinct yet subtle hint of flavor. You will love it. Let’s get started.
Healthy, Homemade Popcorn
- Total Time: 6 minutes
Description
Making homemade popcorn is easy and totally worth it. Here’s how you do it.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
- 1/4 cup coconut oil –OR– 1/4 cup strained bacon grease, each will leave their own unique flavor and they are both delicious
- Sea salt to taste
Instructions
- Place preferred oil in a large pan and turn up to medium heat.
- When oil is heated, add popcorn kernels and tilt pan to spread around.
- Cover with lid. Allow to fry, occasionally shaking the pan around to redistribute.
- After a few minutes, you’ll hear the kernels popping. Keep shaking the pan intermittently.
- When the popping slows to one or two pops every 3-5 seconds, turn off the burner and move the pan to the other burner to cool it off. Watch carefully – popcorn can burn quickly. Better to undercook rather than overcook!
- Carefully vent the lid to allow the steam to escape. When it seems the popping’s finished, transfer to large bowl. Sprinkle with sea salt, if desired.
Notes
This is a base recipe – add your favorite flavorings to make it totally yours. Some suggestions are:
- Sprinkle with sea salt, garlic powder and a dash of cayenne pepper – yum!
- Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for a sweet treat
- One of my dear friends loves to add crumbled bacon to her popcorn, and I think that’s genius
- Try this Maple Coco-Butter Popcorn recipe for a yummy healthy twist
- Prep Time: 1 minute
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
Pin: Healthy Homemade Popcorn
Here’s to great movies, great homemade popcorn, and great times,
I love popcorn! Popcorn with fermented grapes (yeah, okay WINE) is one of my favorite kids-in-bed treats, but I always use an air popper. Is there some reason that I should do it this way?
Obviously I smother it in butter anyway. 😉
Thanks!
~ Christine
An air popper sounds great! This method is just used if you don’t have one. And good for you for smothering it in butter! <3
Thanks! 🙂
Bacon grease is seriously the best for popcorn! My dad used to make it that way!