Looking for a healthy alternative to processed and boxed snacks?
Wishing you had something other than butter and salt to top your popcorn? Or do you need some prodding to give up those artificially colored “cheeze flavored” topping mixes?
Well, I have some great solutions for you.
As I mentioned in my post on popcorn being a healthy snack for your budget, homemade popcorn can really help with your family food budget, and it can also be a lot of fun if you vary the toppings (make sure you check out the links at the bottom of this post for some of our family's favorites :-)!)
But it is also important to start with the right foundation — the perfect popcorn.
By the way, many of the following links are affiliate links. If you click on them and make a purchase, I might make a commission. Your support is much appreciated and helps keep this free resource up and running.
First you need to start with a great popper. Again, I mentioned the stainless steel hand crank popper in yesterday's post on how popcorn is a great boon for your budget. If you are really proficient in the shaking-the-pan-over-the-stove-burner method, then that is great too, but our family has gotten so much use out of this popper and I was never really successful at the shaking the pan method. And with this popper, even our kids can do it.
Now, back to the popcorn.
Perfect Basic Popcorn
Ingredients:
- 1-3 Tbsp coconut oil
- 1/2 cup organic popcorn
- natural salt ( I recommend Real Salt
)
Method:
- Put oil and popcorn into the popper over medium heat.
- Turn crank slowly at first and then quickly once the popping starts.
- Stop cranking when no more popping is heard.
That's it! I like to use 2 Tbsp oil for most batches. Plain popcorn has a fairly high glycemic load so adding the extra fat tempers that a bit. Sometimes I use 3 Tbsp, but the resulting product might seem a bit heavy to you. Try it and decide what amount you like.
Now, some extra tips regarding the ingredients that I use:
1. We always use organic popcorn due to the proliferation of genetically modified corn on the market. (According to this article in the Washington Post, in 2009, already 80 percent of corn was genetically modified.
2. The salt that we use and love is Real Salt
3. For coconut oil options, you may wish to check out my Whole New Store — either variety works great.
Coconut oil is a wonderful choice for popping corn. It has a high smoke point which means that it is fairly stable cooking oil. You do not want to use olive oil for your popcorn as its smoke point is too low. Butter is also not a great choice but it is a fine topping option. Basically, cook your popcorn at a temperature at which you do not produce a bunch of smoke, because the abundance of smoke indicates that you are damaging the fat.
So, now that you are armed with one step towards more healthy snack eating, you can really serve up some fun, healthy snacks in the kitchen by trying our family's favorite popcorn recipes:
Do you have any favorite budget-friendly snacks in your home?
Any favorite popcorn flavors to share?
Carol says
I have heard recently from Dr. Steven Masley, a functional doctor that coconut oil should not be used on high heat that it destroys the good part of the oil and makes it not so healthy. Have you heard about this? I have been using avacado oil but my husband really liked the coconut oil.
Adrienne says
I have heard that the smoke point is lower. I try to cook our popcorn on a lower heat. It does take longer, however.
Jane says
hi!
Can’t one use a microwave to make the organic corn ? I’ve heard a paper bag works well.
Jane
Adrienne says
Yes, I have heard that too. I personally don’t like to use the microwave, as I am concerned about the health effects on the food, but you can do it in a pinch or if you aren’t concerned. Take care.
John says
Why do you say popcorn has a high glycemic load? It’s actually low-to-moderate on the glycemic index (55) and definitely has a low glycemic load (<10)
Adrienne says
You know, I am not sure. I just saw that as well…..I guess I’ve been told it so many times. I just saw that it’s 55 for air popped. I couldn’t find info for what it is popped in oil. Any idea?
Linda Traylor says
Yes, Dr Mercola, who probably teaches more about the dangers of GMO than anyone, said in his blog that popcorn cannot be genetically modified … and so I do not worry about that ONE problem when making popcorn. BTW, if you Google whirlypop, you can find everything you need to know about how to pop corn as well as find the popper.
Adrienne says
Glad to hear it. But some of it sure tastes like it’s been modified into styrofoam :(.
Linda Traylor says
This is exactly the way I make popcorn and everyone loves it… I bought a whirlypop about 30 years ago and have used that for making popcorn ever since. When I could buy coconut oil, I began using that .. 5? years ago. All this makes for the very best popcorn and I eat it when I want a snack… I tell everyone to get this kind of popper… wonderful tool.
Adrienne says
We love it too!!
Lori says
There is (currently) no GMO popcorn in the world. I was told this by an exec at Jiffy Pop who sent me some info that I have since deleted. Are you aware of this fact? Thanks!
Adrienne says
I heard that. I do find it hard to believe b/c some of the popcorn I’ve tried tastes like cardboard. But for now I am happy to hear it.
Torie says
When using an air popper like we have, would you suggest adding some melted coconut oil to the finished popped corn before adding seasonings like your herbs de provence?
Adrienne says
Hi Torie. You will need to add something moist to the popcorn or the toppings won’t stick. Coconut oil sounds great! I’ve heard natural palm oil is wonderful but I haven’t tried it yet. Hope you enjoy it!
Angela says
I LOVE making popcorn. My favorite is a sugar-free, organic Kettle Korn. It’s really fast, easy and super healthy. It doesn’t get much better than that!
Here’s the link if you don’t mind me sharing in case others would like to try out this sweet & salty treat: http://www.homecookedhealthy.com/2012/02/kettle-popcorn-and-wonder-woman/
Adrienne says
Thanks for sharing, Angela. I’m OK with that. I know sharing links can be hard to discern – when it’s OK and when it’s not. I’ve flubbed myself. I look forward to trying your version!
Traci says
darn, your link expired.
shelley says
My hubby just informed me that he’d like to have popcorn!! Looks like we need to stock the shelves over here.
Adrienne says
Uh oh….Country Life has great organic popcorn…you can order with us next time 🙂