Truthfully, Eating Poorganically has been a bit tricky in the snack food category. But, thanks to my brilliant friend Megan, I’ve recently learned a new AMAZING recipe for DIY microwave popcorn that absolutely tastes delicious and is not going to give me (or you) arteriosclerosis.
But, I’ll be honest. I feel a little bad because if you are like me, realizing how easy and cheaply this can be made is going to make you feel really dumb for having spent years wasting money buying horrible-for-you products that left your mouth tasting like you had rinsed with the contents of a deep fat fryer.
So, for making you feel dumb, I’m sorry.
For giving you this awesome recipe, you’re welcome.
To those of you who already knew about this and are thinking, Geez, Katrina. This is old news. Everyone knows better than to eat that plastic coated stuff. Well, to you I say, tthhhpppppttt. That’s a raspberry for keeping the secret to yourself. Friends don’t let friends lick the deep fat fryer.
Okay, this is TOO easy–and WAY cheaper, even WITH couponing –and more environmentally friendly (even though I only marginally care about the environment 😉 ).
You need four things.
1. Popcorn Kernels (I recommend organic for this particular item since corn is often genetically modified.)
2. Butter, Olive Oil, Coconut Oil or something healthy fat. (NOT canola or vegetable oil since those aren’t really good for you)
3. Brown bag
4. Salt (Sea salt is probably better, but my sea salt is coarse which is a tad to crunchy for this purpose.)
Oh wait, five things.
5. A microwave
Mix 1/3 cup of kernels with approximately 1/2 to 1 tsp oil or butter, depending on how you like it.
If you plan to add additional butter after making, err on the side of less oil.
You can melt it or just moosh it into the kernels. It doesn’t matter. I’m lazy, so I moosh.
Spread the kernels out in the bag toward the bottom.
Fold the bag over twice about an inch. You can tape it shut if you want.
Microwave for 2-3 minutes until you hear 3 seconds between pops.
Remove bag from microwave.
When you remove the bag, it may seem really oily because brown bags are thin and absorb oil more than store-bought microwave popcorn bags.
(Also, I think I got a bit too much coconut oil on this batch.)
Pour out! Add salt and seasonings to taste.
Eat while watching BBC movies! Marvel at your poorganic-ness. 🙂 Try cinnamon sugar!
Okay, admit honestly, how many of you already knew about this and how many of you are reading this geniously idea for the first time?
What’s your favorite popcorn topping?
thanks for sharing. it is the first time i have heard of this secret.
I did NOT know about this, and you KNOW how much popcorn I eat! I’m going to go make some right NOW!!
I want to try this. Does it have to be a solid oil/fat? How does it work when you use a liquid oil?
No, in fact it is easier to mix if you melt butter or use liquid coconut oil or olive oil. Coconut oil is liquid at 75 degrees, so that is what I usually use and sometimes my kitchen is colder. I would recommend starting with a 1/4 tsp oil because then you can add melted butter after it is popped. 🙂
I have been looking for a good microwave popcorn recipe, because I just recently read how awful the kind you buy actually is.
I need you to come visit me and teach me these tricks. I can definitely stand to eat healthier!!
I’ve heard this system before. I’d like to know how to do pop popcorn in the microwave without the brown paper bag which gets thrown out. I don’t have large quantities of brown paper bags, and I AM one of those environmentalistas…as well as, in this case, frugalistas. I pop my popcorn in a saucepan on the stove. Immediately after pouring it into the bowl, I add water and dish soap to the pan, put on the lid, and swish it around so it gets to all parts of the pan. If I forget to do this while the pan is still hot, I’m always sorry.
Toppings: grated cheese, Parmesan cheese, cinnamon, lemon pepper, seasoned salt, herbs, likely things like Taco Seasoning et al. There’s GOT to be a way to add chocolate, but I’ve not figured it out yet.
This is the first time I’ve ever heard of this!!! Thanks so much! If I get it right, I will never buy store bought microwave popcorn again!
I’ve tweaked it somewhat. Now we use peanut oil, only about a 1/4 tsp, but I’ve also heard of people who use NO OIL and just add butter after. It doesn’t leave that slimy feeling in your mouth. 🙂
Ok here is my “secret” to great popcorn:
Flavor it with butter BUT clarify the butter! This makes it so the popcorn has the great butter taste BUT doesn’t get soggy or loose its crispness!
Here is how to clarify buter:
1) Melt two sticks butter in a clear microwave proof bowl or measuring cup.
2) Skim off the froth on the top.
3) The next section, the clearer section is what you want to keep for flavoring the popcorn. Carefully pour that off and set aside.
3) discard the cloudy rest of the butter.
Now use the clarified butter you set aside on the popcorn! It will have the great butter taste without making the popcorn soggy!
Cool trick huh?
Mark
Very cool, Mark! I’ll be trying this. 🙂