Healthy Stovetop Popcorn

When it comes to thinking about healthy snacks, popcorn might not be the first thing to come to your mind. We typically associate popcorn with the butter-soaked, heavy movie snacks. Don’t be fooled: it’s the butter that brings that bucket to more than a thousand calories. However, when you make it at home, popcorn might just be the healthiest snack you could have. Read on to learn how to make popcorn at home, and add your own twist to a favorite movie night snack!

Did you know that a 1-cup serving of popcorn has only 35 calories, and costs just 15 cents? It’s healthy for you, too, if you make it yourself!

Ingredients (Servings for 4)

• 1/4 cup popcorn kernels, or 4 tablespoons
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Toppings - a tablespoon or so of real melted butter and a small sprinkle of sea salt

If you make your own popcorn at home, use a pot with a tight seal and no air leaks or hole in the lid.

Instructions

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over a medium-high heat.
2. Add 2 kernels into the hot oil and wait for them to pop.
3. Once they pop, your oil is ready.
4. Remove the 2 kernels from the oil and add the rest of your kernels to the pot in a single layer and cover with your lid.
5. Occasionally shaking your pot, listen for the popping to start. It will start slowly, then increase, and then slow down again when its almost done.
6. Once it slows down, remove it from the heat and pour the popcorn in a large bowl.
7. Cover with toppings and enjoy!

Healthy Toppings:

1. Garlic Popcorn - Garlic Powder & a little salt
2. Ranch Popcorn - Spray with a healthy type oil and sprinkle dry ranch dressing mix
3. Parmesan Popcorn - Sprinkle with parmesan cheese
4. Fiber Nut Popcorn - Add slivered Almonds, sunflower seeds and raisins to plain popcorn
5. Mexican Popcorn - Chili powder, and hot sauce
6. Taco Popcorn - Add taco seasoning
7. Cinnamon Popcorn - Sprinkle with cinnamon and a little sweetener
8. Curry Popcorn - Spice things up with a little curry powder
9. Sweet Popcorn - drizzle with honey or agave
10. Mix and Match #1 through #9! Be Creative and have fun!

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