If you look on the back of popular microwave popcorn brands, I think you’ll find significantly more ingredients, some of which you might not even recognize. Some brands even contain a flavoring chemical called diacetyl, which the CDC has linked to lung disease.
How to Avoid Chewy Popcorn
Why can popcorn turn out chewy? If you keep the lid tightly sealed on the pot while the popcorn is popping, the excess steam might be absorbed by the popcorn, giving it more of a “chewy” texture. Be sure to leave the lid slightly cracked as the popcorn pops, so that steam can escape. This will ensure your popcorn stays as crisp as possible!
Here’s more to love:
Popcorn is high in fiber, with 15 grams of fiber per 3.5 ounces. Fiber intake has been associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and it has also been linked to a lower risk of Type 2 diabetes. The polyphenols found in popcorn may promote digestive health, by helping to inhibit the growth of bacteria and having a prebiotic effect in the body. It has only 31 calories per cup! In one study, researchers found that popcorn was more satiating than potato chips. Stovetop popcorn is made without hydrogenated or partially-hydrogenated oils, which have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease.
It also couldn’t be easier to make! Below you’ll see how, with step-by-step photos.
How to Make It on the Stove Top
Which Oil Works Best?
You can use any mild-flavored oil you have on hand, but coconut oil or olive oil are my preferences when it comes to the oil to use. Do not use butter, as it will burn before the popcorn is popped. Should you Worry About the Smoke Point of Oils? If you’ve been concerned about cooking with olive oil due to its smoke point, research published in 2018 shows that an oil’s smoke point doesn’t necessarily predict how it will perform when heated. In fact, olive oil has proven to be a very stable oil when heated, possibly due to its antioxidant levels and monounsaturated fat content, even when heated at high temperatures. (Coconut oil is also shown to be a stable choice in this study, right behind olive oil.)
How Much Does 1/2 Cup Kernels Make?
A 1/2 cup of dry popcorn kernels makes approximately 14 cups of popcorn. That makes the serving size very generous! One serving is roughly 3.5 cups of popcorn, so it’s no wonder it’s so filling!
If you try this Stovetop Popcorn, please leave a comment below letting me know how you like it! And if you make any modifications, I’d love to hear about those, too. We can all benefit from your experience. – Reader Feedback: What’s your favorite salty snack? Be sure to try my Baked Sweet Potato Chips or Roasted Pumpkin Seeds, too. If you need something sweet, my Peanut Butter Granola Bars are also a hit!
