HOMEMADE POPCORN


8 CUPS

INGREDIENTS

¼ cup popcorn kernels

CHEESY

1 tsp salt, or more to taste

1 tsp pepper, or more to taste

¼ cup nutritional yeast flakes

SPICY

1 tsp salt, or more to taste

1 tsp pepper, or more to taste

½ to 2 tsp smoky chipotle chile powder or cayenne pepper, to taste

ANTIOXIDANT BOOST

1 tsp salt, or more to taste

1 tsp pepper, or more to taste

2 tsp ground turmeric or curry powder

DIRECTIONS

Place the popcorn kernels in either a brown paper lunch bag or a large microwave-safe bowl. If using the bag, fold over the end two times to seal in the popcorn. Don’t use a staple! Remember, metal and microwaves don’t mix. If using a large bowl, simply place a plate that is able to cover the entire bowl on top.

Place either the bag or bowl in the microwave (if using the bag, place it on its side) and heat for 2 to 3 minutes on high power, until the popping slows to 2- to 3-second intervals between pops.

Serve sprinkled with your favorite spice blend: Cheesy, Spicy, Antioxidant Boost, or create your own!


Note: Popcorn definitely belongs in the hall of fame of delicious snack foods, but can it be healthy? You might be surprised to find that fresh popped corn itself is actually quite nutritious: it’s packed with fiber and antioxidants—comparable to fresh fruit even. By skipping the butter and oil found in most store-bought varieties and making your own from scratch, you end up with a cheap, healthy, and filling snack.