So microwave popcorn sucks. Only half the kernels ever pop, and it just doesn't have the right texture or taste. So The Wife bought me an air popper which is awesome if you like to chew on styrofoam packing peanuts.
Then I saw this article about making popcorn on the stove like our ancestors did and I tried it last night and HOLY SHIT I HAVE FOUND THE SOLUTION TO POPCORN. It was so fucking good. I literally can't wait to go home tonight and do it again.
Here's the recipe, if you can even call it a recipe, from the linked article above:
Stovetop Popcorn
Yield: 1 to 3 servings
Time: About 5 minutes1 generous tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon popcorn kernels
Salt1. Put the oil in an 8-inch saucepan over medium-high heat. (If you’re using another size saucepan, just use enough oil to cover the bottom in a very thin but unbroken layer.) Add the popcorn; the bottom of the pan should be covered in a single layer of kernels. Cover partially and cook undisturbed until the kernels begin popping. Once the corn is popping in earnest, give the pan an occasional shake.
2. When the popping slows to the point that there’s an interval of 1 to 2 seconds between each pop, remove the pan from the heat and transfer the popcorn to a bowl. Season with salt and serve immediately.
I mean, GUH-DOI, why did it take me 25 years of popcorn eating to finally realize you could make it like this?
7 comments:
Ok, I'm really glad you brought this up because I HATE microwave and movie popcorn. Like, I've thrown up before when someone made microwave popcorn in the office.
But stovetop popcorn is actually pretty good (but I tell people I don't like any popcorn lest the forget the difference and offer me microwave popcorn and I throw up all over them).
Something DELICIOUS is to put spices on the stovetop popcorn at the end. Cayenne, a splash of cumin, whatever you like on other food and man oh man, it really transforms the whole experience.
I think it *might* actually be better if you use a high-smoke-point oil like peanut.
I worked at a movie theater for eight years, and I never got tired to eating movie theater popcorn. I got tired of smelling like movie theater popcorn. I would go to a bar after work and eventually someone would say, "Why does it smell like popcorn in here?" But I digress.
I think microwave popcorn is fine, but it's not my favorite. My husband bought me a Whirley Pop (check it out on Amazon). The popcorn is so good!
I've ALWAYS eaten stove-top popcorn. Microwave popcorn is for chumps. Growing up popcorn was our go-to snack. I even have a pot dedicated to making popcorn. I consider my job as a parent almost complete. I've taught my oldest to make coffee, and to make popcorn on the stove.
Yeah, it's totally A Thing, one that is also sometimes dinner because it feels like cooking a real meal.
I actually take a different approach to the timing of the kernels so that they all pop: Put the oil in with just three kernels. When those testers pop, THEN put in the rest and there will be no stragglers.
I'm with ap, gussy that stuff up with some nutritional yeast or furikake or swedish fish and you'll never get tired of it.
I grew up on Jiffy Pop, which is basically the same thing, but with the added excitement of watching the foil on top of the pan slowly expand. My parents didn't buy popcorn in the theater because it's kind of a ripoff, so I don't really associate popcorn with movies.
Are Stoney and I the only ones who grew up on Jiffy Pop? Can you even still buy it? Expanding foil dome = AWESOME
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