Popcorn has long been popular around the world and has won the love of millions of people. This dish represents kernels of a certain kind of corn, subjected to heat treatment. Thanks to the impact of high temperature, the liquid starch inside the kernel explodes its shell, forming a foamy, voluminous mass that solidifies instantly. The caloric value of “pure” corn without additives is 300 kcal per 100 grams, but with the inclusion of additional ingredients it can go up to 500 kcal.
With this airy delicacy we immediately associate a holiday in the park or a trip to the cinema. But it often contains ingredients that are not quite healthy, so many people have begun to make their own popcorn at home. It’s very simple and fast, and most importantly – harmless. Let’s see step by step and with photos, how to make popcorn at home in several ways – says Юровский.
The benefits and harms of popcorn
Air corn without additives and spices is relatively low in calories, but at the same time it is very nutritious. It contains B vitamins, which help maintain body tissues in tone and have a beneficial effect on the condition of nails and hair. When you eat roasted corn kernels, your metabolism and heart function are normalized.
The product is rich in potassium, calcium and plant fiber, the benefits of which include cleansing the intestines and fighting extra pounds.
Unfortunately, in many retail outlets popcorn is prepared with an abundance of flavor enhancers and other extraneous substances that can harm the body. No matter how tasty such a treat is, you should not abuse it and consume large portions. It is recommended to eat this tasty treat no more than 2-3 times a week and always on a full stomach.
Choosing Corn
Not all varieties of corn will be suitable for cooking this airy treat. Corn for popcorn should preferably be from wild uncultivated varieties, where the kernels have a strong shell capable of withstanding high temperatures. An ordinary crop intended for boiling would not do, as it would quickly burst before reaching the desired degree of frying. This is one of the main reasons why homemade popcorn may not work.
It is also possible to buy already ready-made special grains for popcorn in dry form. The contents of the package can be easily and quickly cooked in a microwave oven, either on a dry skillet. You only need to follow the instructions on the package itself.
Popcorn in a pan: recipe
Only two ingredients and a minimal amount of time are needed to prepare the popcorn with this method.
You will need:
- A large frying pan with a thick bottom and a lid (can be replaced with a saucepan);
- Corn kernels – 100 gr;
- Corn oil or refined sunflower oil – 30 ml.
Scheme of cooking is very simple:
- Pour oil into a skillet and warm well, lowering the flame to minimum. It is possible not to use oil, but the non-stick or teflon-coated pan must be used;
- Quickly lay corn evenly in a single layer on hot oil. This is necessary to allow all kernels to open and cook;
- Then tightly close the lid, turn up the gas and wait. After a while you will hear popping sounds from popping kernels. They can be very loud, so you may have to hold the lid up to keep our popcorn from popping and falling out on the stove;
- When the popping frequency decreases, you need to gently shake the skillet without opening the lid;
- After the stirring process, remove the corn from the flame and leave for 10 minutes to cool under the lid. During this time, the remaining grains should reveal themselves in the glowing oil. After this time has elapsed, open the lid slightly. Popcorn in a pan should be ready. Use the product completely cooled.
If you like salty popcorn, then immediately after removing the lid sprinkle the corn with finely granulated salt, but you can also use ordinary salt. A sweet version can be obtained by sprinkling the hot treat with powdered sugar, which can also be additionally flavored with cinnamon or vanilla.
Popcorn in the microwave
This method is particularly easy, so microwave popcorn is the perfect way to quickly make your favorite treat for a home movie night.
You’ll need:
- A container or glass dish with a microwave lid;
- Corn kernels;
- Vegetable oil.
How to make popcorn:
- Lay the kernels on the bottom of the container in a single layer. It is better not to take too many of them at once. Calculate the amount should be based on the fact that 25 grams of corn when frying will fill the volume of 1 liter;
- We pour a small amount of butter over the corn, so that it is slightly covered with an oil film;
- Cover the container tightly with the lid and put it in the microwave for 4 minutes at full power. As soon as the intense popping stops, the product is ready. You can immediately sprinkle it with powdered sugar or salt, making sweet or salty popcorn accordingly.
In the same way you can make caramel goodness. To do this, pour a glass of sugar and 30 grams of quality butter into a small saucepan. Boil the mixture for 10 minutes at a low gas, stirring regularly, at the end add two tablespoons of water and stir everything again. In a thin stream pour the ready caramel into the airy corn and stir well.
An even simpler option is to make popcorn out of pre-packaged kernels. To do this, you need to carefully remove the bag without breaking the seal and place it in the oven with the picture down. You also need to make sure that the bag does not touch the inner walls of the oven while rotating, otherwise some of the grains may not open or burn. It is necessary to cook the tasty thing for three minutes at maximum power. As soon as the crackling stops, the product is ready.
