Salted, buttered, or caramel, National Popcorn Day celebrates this delectable snack on January 19 but did you know you can make it on your wood-burning stove?
Your stove can keep your home warm, but you can use it for more than just burning wood. Your stove is the perfect tool to prepare a delicious serving of popcorn for a family night.
Popcorn is a fast and easy snack you can make with a couple of ingredients. It doesn’t require you to be an expert cook. It is also a cheap alternative to other common salty treats like tortilla chips or crisps – perfect for January!
Here’s how to make a perfect batch of popcorn, with no burnt kernels!
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup popcorn kernels
- 1 tablespoon butter or more to taste
- Salt or other toppings to taste
Equipment
- When it comes to making popcorn, you only need a heavy-bottomed saucepan or pot with a lid. The lid is essential because the kernels will start popping once the oil gets hot enough.
- You will also need a big bowl to put the popcorn in once it is ready.
Preparation (2 – 3 Minutes)
- Now that you have all the necessary ingredients, you can get set up. Make sure that your fire is moderate with medium heat for better results. Remember, if the fire is too strong, the popcorn will burn.
- Get your serving bowl ready. Keep it next to you in case the popcorn starts to overflow the saucepan.
Method
- Heat the oil: Heat the oil in a medium sized thick-bottomed saucepan on the stove top. If you are using coconut oil, allow all of the solid oil to melt.
- Add 3-4 kernels: Put 3 or 4 popcorn kernels into the oil and wait for the popcorn kernels to pop.
- Add the remaining kernels: When the kernels pop, add the rest of the 1/3 cup of popcorn kernels in an even layer
- Cover the pot, remove from heat and count 30 seconds (Count out loud! It’s fun to do with kids.) This method first heats the oil to the right temperature, then waiting 30 seconds brings all of the other kernels to a near-popping temperature so that when they are put back on the heat, they all pop at about the same time.
- Return the pan to the heat:The popcorn should begin popping soon, and all at once. Once the popping starts in earnest, gently shake the pan by moving it back and forth over the stove top. We recommend using cooking gloves even if the pot has a handle.
- SIMPLE TIP! As the popcorn pops, try to keep the lid slightly ajar to let the steam from the popcorn release (the popcorn will be drier and crisper and less tough). Always be careful with the steam, as it can cause severe burning.
- Once the popping slows to several seconds between pops, remove the pan from the heat: Remove the lid and pop the popcorn immediately into the bowl. With this technique, nearly all of the kernels pop, and nothing burns.
- Melt butter in the empty hot pan: If you are adding butter, you can easily melt it by placing the butter in the now empty, but hot pan. Just drizzle the melted butter over the popcorn and toss to distribute.
- Add your topping!
Popcorn Topping Ideas
Want something more than butter or salt on your popcorn? Try sprinkling with some grated Parmesan cheese! Smoked paprika, nutritional yeast, cayenne powder, taco seasoning, or curry powder also make for fun and interesting toppings.
Do what are you waiting for, put on a movie, get nice and comfy, and dig in to your favorite flavour of popped goodness!