Popcorn is one of the popular snack that everyone loves. Making popcorn at home can be slightly tricky but once you get the hang of it then it can be made in a jiffy. Popcorn is an evergreen snack relished at theaters, super markets and can be made at home as prescribed in this Popcorn Recipe.
What is Popcorn?
Popcorn is a type of corn / maize which hard outer shell and a starchy interior. When the popcorn kernels are heated along with oil the moisture inside turns into steam making the kernel pop or explode making it an edible snack called popcorn. Popcorn is enjoyed as crunchy snack by kids and all age groups. Popcorn is commonly seasoned with salt, butter but nowadays there are so many varieties of popcorn which includes caramel, cheese, spicy masala, peri peri, cajun spiced etc. With just few ingredients in hand you can make tasty popcorn at home easily. It is a perfect treat for movie nights so I make it during weekends once in a fortnight at least. Popping a batch of popcorn perfectly is a bit tricky as we need all the corn kernels to pop without settling at the bottom. I have written all the tips and tricks to follow to get Perfect Popcorn without burning. For a perfect popcorn we need fine quality popcorn kernels so buy it from a reliable store which is fresh. I usually buy it from a near by supermarket where they keep changing fresh stocks. I always wanted to try this at home as mittu loves them. Few years ago happened to see these corn kernels so picked them and tried, since then making it often at home. I usually make popcorn in stove top in a large pot or a cooker as it is very convenient. This method of making pops every kernel without burning. So the cookware does matter the most also the corn kernels quality. I love trying different flavors so kids don’t get bored even if I make Popcorn often. Usually I make a savory like cheese or salted along with caramel popcorn. This is a perfect snack box to pack for kids.
5 min Stove Top Popcorn Recipe Video
Similar Recipes
Classic Popcorn Cheese Popcorn Caramel Popcorn Chocolate Popcorn
Popcorn Ingredients
Popcorn Kernels – Make sure to buy popcorn kernels and not the regular corn kernels from the store as all the varieties of corn kernels do not pop. Oil – Use regular cooking oil or olive oil – however ensure they do not impact the flavor of the popcorn as oils like groundnut oil will radiate its flavor into the food it is added to.If you like the flavor of coconut oil then use it. Salt – Salt is added as per taste.
How to make Popcorn at home Step by Step
1.First get all your ingredients ready.Make sure to buy popcorn kernels and not normal corn kernels. Take a thick bottomed pan with lid. I used my pressure cooker. Add 2 tablespoon olive oil to it. 2.Swirl the pan so that oil is evenly distributed. Heat oil. 3.Once oil is heated add a corn kernel to check. 4.It will pop up in few seconds.This is the right temperature we need. 5.Now add 1/2 cup corn kernels. 6.Give a quick stir. 7.Cover it with a lid. The lid should have a vent else close with lid partially for the vapour to escape. Keep flame in low medium. 8.It will start popping. 9.Now lift the pan from flame and shake it for 2 seconds then place in flame.Repeat this in intervals for all the seeds to pop evenly. Shaking the pan in between makes all the corn kernels pop out perfectly. 10.Let the kernels pop completely. Once the popping sound is stopped, you can switch off flame. Immediately open the lid once popping stops else the water droplets may drop into the pan making it soggy, 11.Open and give a quick mix. Remove from flame. 12.Give a quick stir – Check to see if all the seeds are completely popped. You can add salt mix and serve as such too. 13.For butter flavoured popcorn : To a tadka pan add 1 tablespoon butter, let it melt. 14.Add melted butter at the sides. 15.Add salt to taste. 16.Wipe off the lid inner surface with a dry cloth. 17.Close with the lid and shake well for butter and salt to coat evenly. 18.That is all. Homemade Popcorn is ready. Enjoy it watching your favorite movie!
Expert Tips
Make sure you choose a pan which is wide/deep and some space to hold the hte popped corn. Make sure to use lid with vent. IF you do not have such a lid then close the lid partially leaving space for the vapor to escape. Make sure to first try popping out few corn kernels then add the rest. While cooking covered take care not to burn so adjust the flame accordingly. Cook covered as the kernels will pop outside the container otherwise. You can add any flavoring of your choice. If you want you can even add a pinch of pepper powder. Make sure to stir the kernels well so that is is evenly coated in oil. Oil should not be smoking hot, it should be sizzling hot for the corn kernels to pop out. So test 2-3 kernels before adding fully. Toss the butter popcorn with seasonings like cheese powder, oregano, indian spice powders based on your preferences.
Serving & Storage
Pop the corn kernels fresh every time you need it so as to consume fresh and flavorful. However if you have left overs, you can store it an air tight container for a week. Popcorn is ideal to be served in DIY tubs, big containers so that everyone can pounce on it centrally.
1.What type of oil should I use?
You can use any flavourless oil. Use regular cooking oil or olive oil for popcorn- however ensure they do not impact the flavour of the popcorn as oils like groundnut oil / coconut will radiate its flavour into the food when added.
2.What type of pan is best for making popcorn?
You can use either a tall sauce pot or a wide cooker. You need space for the popcorn kernels to pop out completely so choose a cookware accordingly. If you ask me a deep stainless pot or a wide pressure pan is best. We want pans that heat up quickly at the same time not too light bottomed to burn the kernels. A triply cooker or cookware is a best fit.
3.How to make Popcorn in Instant pot?
Add corn kernels in the container of Instant pot Set “saute” mode for 10 mins. Heat oil then check by adding a kernel once it pops out then add the kernels. Give a quick mix. Cook covered. Melt and add butter along with salt to the popcorn, mix it well and it is ready.
4.What type of corn kernels to buy?
Ask and buy only popcorn kernels – sweet corn or other varieties of corn does not pop. So ask in the supermarket before you buy.
5.How do I flavor the popcorn evenly?
Close the container containing the prepared popcorn with a lid or a bowl and shake well after adding salt or any flavorings. If you have any more questions about this Popcorn Recipe do mail me at [email protected]. In addition, follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Youtube and Twitter . Tried this Popcorn Recipe? Do let me know how you liked it. Also tag us on Instagram @sharmispassions and hash tag it on #sharmispassions.
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