Popcorn is quite expensive, especially at the movies. I think we can all agree on that. Nothing beats making hot popcorn in the comfort of your own home! You don’t need an oven for this as it can be cooked directly on the stovetop. It takes a little effort but it pays back in spades.
The best part about making it at home is that you can monitor the ingredients added. You can choose to be extravagant or frugal. The choice is yours.
Ingredients required:
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- Popcorn kernels
- Butter
- Salt
A large and deep bottomed cooking pot. You want to make sure that the heat is evenly distributed and the corn doesn’t burn.
Procedure: Start with pouring both the oil and the kernels in the pot. Turn up the flame to medium heat and wait patiently. Cover the pot with a lid or you’ll end up with popcorn all over your kitchen counter! The popcorn will start sizzling and begin to pop. Once that happens, you’re going to have to shake the pot by holding the lid firmly. The popping sounds will gradually accelerate so don’t stop shaking. In about a few minutes’ time, the popping will become infrequent and come to a slow halt. This is your cue in turning off the heat.
Throw in some butter and salt to taste and shake vigorously. You want these ingredients to be well incorporated.
Some interesting facts about popcorn
- Movie theaters make astronomical profits on popcorn alone, even more so than movie tickets.
- Most microwave ovens have a special power-on button customized only for popcorn.
- It was first discovered in New Mexico.
- Companies like Sizzle Popcorn cotton candy machine rental allows you to temporarily hire for special events.
- Popcorn is rich in fiber and antioxidants. Infact, studies show that popcorn might actually contain more nutrition than a day’s supply of fruits and vegetables.
- The unpopped kernels that are left at the bottom of the cooking pan? They’re known as “old maids”.
- Ever wonder what makes them pop? Its water! Corn kernel contains a small portion of water and upon heating, the water converts to steam, resulting in popcorn.
- Nebraska is the highest producer of popcorn in America.
- There are over 1600 corn kernels in every bowl of popcorn!
- During the World War three, Americans supposedly consumed more popcorn than sweet treats, owing to the shortage of sugar.
- It expands to 30 times its original size when popped.