Healthy & Savory Popcorns // w/ oil-free version

Popcorns are often perceived as unhealthy and a food we should avoid, but are they really? In fact, popcorns are a super healthy and wholesome snack if done properly. Avoid the store-bought popcorns, rich in sugars, sodium and pro-inflammatory oils, and try this recipe instead!  This recipe is a staple in my kitchen and I make it almost every week. This popcorns are low in sugar, oil and of course, calories. These are also packed with lots of antioxidant spices and insoluble fiber – which will satiate you for longer, improve your intestinal health and control your blood sugar levels. 

You can make them on the stove top as I did – with a little bit of extra virgin olive oil – or you can go for a completely oil free version, by cooking them on the microwave (take a look at the “notes” section on the recipe card to know more!). 

You can give these your own twist by adding a bigger amount of a determined spice or adding other flavors to the bunch. Have fun mixing and experimenting different flavors, always being cautious with the salt content. 

Healthy & Savory Popcorns

These savory popcorns aren't only very easy to prepare and tasty, but are also healthy and perfect to have as a snack.

Servings 4 portions

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Ingredients

• 1/2 Cup popcorn kernels
• 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 Tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 Tsp onion powder
• 1/2 Tsp oreganos
• 1/4 Tsp pepper
• 1/4 Tsp cumin
• 1/4 Tsp chili powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 Tbsp Nutritional Yeast optional

Instructions

• Put the olive oil in a large pan in low heat and let it heat.
• Add the popcorn kernels and leave the pan covered.
• In the meantime, prepare the seasoning, by mixing all the herbs and spices on a small container.
• As soon as the first kernel starts to pop, uncover the pan just a tiny bit, so the popcorns don’t sweat and become dry and crispy.
• When you hear less than 1 pop for each 3 seconds, turn off the heat and transfer the popcorns into a bowl.
• While the popcorns are still hot, add the prepared seasoning to the popcorn bowl and toss to coat. Enjoy!

Notes

Microwave Oil-free Popcorns

If you would like to make this popcorns completely oil free, you can do so by cooking them in the microwave.

For this, you will need a big microwave bowl with a vented lid.

Add 3 tbsp of water and 3 tbsp of popcorn kernels to the container and let it cook on “high” until you hear less than 1 pop for each 2 seconds.

When ready cautious remove the popcorns from the microwave carefully as the bowl is really hot. Add the herbs and enjoy!

⚠️ Make sure you cook the popcorns with the container covered and the vent open. If the container lid does not have a vent do not use it, as the build up heat can cause the bowl to explode. Simply use a perforated parchment paper or cling film to cover the bowl. 

Author: Ana Rebelo

Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Easy, Healthy, Vegan

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