DIY Perfect Popcorn on the Stove

With microwave popcorn readily available, the old fashioned "pop your own" seems to have disappeared.

But I have to to tell you, there is a HUGE difference in taste, plus I am not sure about the microwave popcorn myself.

But I was sent on an errand for my daughter in law to buy "unpopped popcorn" but what she really meant was the microwave stuff.... so I have a bag of plain unpopped corn sitting around.  So decided to try it.

Check out this video by Simply Recipes:

What you will Need:

*Oil of some kind, they use coconut oil, but you can also use vegetable oil.

*Note:  Don't use olive oil as this is too high a temp and will give a burnt flavor.  Keep olive oil for your salads.

*Unpopped corn (You can usually get this in a bag at grocery store in the same section as popcorn and nuts etc)

*Butter and salt for flavors..

Method:

Step 1 - In a large pot, cover the bottom of the pot with oil.

Step 2 - Heat on med/high heat

Step 3 - Add a couple of kernels when the oil is starting to slightly sizzle, and wait for them to pop.

Step 4 - Once they pop add in the rest.  (follow the bag for amounts)

SECRET RIGHT HERE....  so this is the true secret to beautifully popped and no burnt popcorn.

➽Step 5 - After pouring in the kernels, take the pot off the heat for 30 seconds, sit it on a heat proof mat.  This I think allows the kernels to get into the oil

Step 6 - Then place back on the heat with a lid slightly ajar to let the steam out. (definitely don't forget the lid or you will have popcorn popping everywhere!).

Step 7 - Shake the pan back and forth a bit.

Step 8 - Once the popping mostly stops.  Pour into a waiting large bowl.

Step 9 - Put the pot back on the heat and melt some butter.

Step 10 - Pour over the popcorn and add salt and other seasonings of your choice.

Mix.

That's it!! 

Cozy up somewhere, put on Netflix and get munching!

Obviously you have to be careful around any hot pot or oil, so you can't just leave this like a popcorn maker, but there really is a difference in taste.

It tastes much fresher.

Now that you have the hang of this, you can make you own much cheaper than the microwave stuff.

If you truly don't like the idea of the stove top version, and don't have a microwave, you can get a air popcorn maker.

Give the above method a chance. I find this method tastes just like at the movies!