Stove-top popcorn is exactly what you need while binge watching tv – it’s a nutritious snack, naturally gluten-free, vegan and takes less than 5 minutes to pop!

I am not much of a TV person, or at least I’d like to think so..but lately, I have been hooked on  different shows namely Fuller House, New Girl,Grey’s, and now HOC. So along with that, my appetite for snacks have increased proportionately. I don’t know what it is but every time, I leisurely watch TV, I have to have some snacks, preferably a mix of something sweet and savory. I try to keep things healthy when I can with mixed nuts, fruits, stovetop popcorn, and of course some chocolate. Balance people!!

It bugs me when some people are unaware about making  stovetop popcorn at home. If you are one of those people, instead of microwavable bags or some overpriced premade popcorn, how about I show you “How to Make Stove-Top Popcorn” It takes less than 5 minutes, a big pot, & corn kernels to make this wholesome snack…which I am sure you will need while you catch up on your shows…right? Popcorn is a special type of corn that expands from the kernel and puffs up when heated.

Inside each kernel of popcorn, there is a tiny droplet of water surrounded by a hard shell called a hull. When the popcorn is heated, the water turns into steam, which builds pressure inside the kernel. When the hull can no longer contain the pressure, the kernels explodes and pops!Popcorn can be a healthy snack but again, it depends how it is prepared. I’d definitely recommend you to make your own stovetop popcorn (or use air-popped method)..it’s the microwave buttered kind that concerns me a little bit..all the chemicals and trans fat is not something you would want to snack on.

We treat popcorn as a movie-snack but seriously, it is one of the nutritious  and inexpensive all-purpose snack that’s out there. It is a whole grain (hello fiber), good source of antioxidants, and low in calories. It’s a win-win situation in terms of nutrition and value!

Next time you are at the store, remember to grab a bag of popcorn to make stovetop popcorn at home!

How to Make Stove-Top Popcorn?

Author: Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health
Serves: 2-3

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon oil, preferably with high smoke point such as safflower, sunflower, canola
• 1/2 cup popcorn
• salt and other seasonings as desired

Instructions

1. In a large stove top with a lid, heat oil over high temperature and drop one popcorn.
2. When the popcorn pops, pour the remaining popcorn and keep it covered leaving it slightly ajar.Shake the pot or stir it couple times.
3. Allow popcorns to pop and once it slows down,turn off the heat. Wait for few more seconds for last few to pop then remove the lid and season with salt and seasonings as desired.

Tell me what TV shows are you currently binging on?