Everybody enjoys snacking, but it can be tough to find something to nibble on that doesn't hurt your waistline.
Fortunately, we have an awesome healthy popcorn recipe that totally hits the spot!
Popcorn is known for being a fairly healthy snack because it's low in calories. Plain air-popped popcorn also has very little fat, according to My Fitness Pal.
Popcorn is also chock-full of benefits; it can even help you overcome constipation!
However, a lot of the popcorn we eat isn't actually all that healthy. You can buy pre-popped popcorn at the store, but it is usually coated in salt and flavorings.
The same goes for popcorn you can make at home: it's often packed full of oils and flavorings that dramatically change the nutritional value.
And don't even get us started on movie-theater popcorn! The stuff that you get at the theater is usually drowning in goopy "butter," so it's definitely not a healthy snack.
Fortunately, we have a work-around. This super-simple recipe will let you make healthy popcorn at home with your own twist!
Step #1: Assemble Your Materials
For this recipe, you just need a few very basic ingredients:
- 1/4 cup plain popcorn kernels
- 2 Tbsps. butter
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- A microwave-safe bowl
- A microwave-safe plate
Step #2: Pour Out Kernels
If you love eating popcorn regularly, it's a good idea to keep a large supply of plain kernels in a Mason jar in your pantry.
Buying in bulk is not only cheaper, it's also healthier, because you know there's no other ingredient except the kernel.
For a single serving of popcorn, you can pour out about 1/4 cup of kernels.
That will make plenty of popcorn, so make sure you put them in a nice, big bowl with lots of room!
Step #3: Slice Butter
Next, slice up some butter to melt on top! You can slice about two tablespoons off an ordinary stick of butter.
You may use margarine if you prefer, and you can also use less than two tablespoons if you prefer your popcorn less buttery.
Some people also choose to wait until the popcorn is popped to drizzle a bit of olive oil on top.
Step #4: Stack Your Dishes
Once you have the right amount of butter, place it on your plate.
You want to make sure that the plate you choose is large enough to completely cover the opening of the bowl, but small enough that it won't knock into the sides of the microwave and fall off.
The plate will serve as a spot for the butter to melt, but it will also keep those popping kernels from escaping the bowl.
Step #5: Heat It Up
When you have your stack of dishes assembled, pop the whole thing in the microwave. Make sure that the plate is balanced securely on top.
Set your microwave for three minutes, then listen closely as your kernels start to pop.
When you start to hear the popping slow down, you'll know it's time to take the popcorn out.
If you leave the kernels in after the popping slows down, you might end up with a lot of burned popcorn.
Step #6: Pour Butter Over Popcorn
Carefully lift the plate out of the microwave first, taking care not to slosh the dish as you go. The butter should all be melted now!
Remove the bowl of popcorn too, then carefully tip the plate over the popcorn and drizzle the butter evenly across the popped kernels.
If you don't have enough, you can always melt a bit more butter; just put it in the microwave for 30 seconds.
Step #7: Sprinkle With Salt
Next, season your popcorn with just a pinch of salt sprinkled evenly across the top!
If you used salted butter, you may not even want to add any salt.
This is also your opportunity to add other flavors.
A teaspoon of Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of hot sauce, or a pinch of Old Bay seasoning could all add some delicious flavor without packing on the calories.
Step #8: Enjoy!
Now, you have a yummy, tasty snack ready to go, and it's way lighter and more natural than other kinds of popcorn: just corn, butter, and salt. Doesn't get much more pure and simple than that!
If you love the look of this tasty healthy popcorn recipe, be sure to SHARE this yummy idea with friends and family!
