Basic Popcorn

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Yield:
8 to 10 cups

Skip the microwave stuff. It takes just 10 minutes to make this fun, healthy snack from scratch.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • ½ cup popcorn kernels

  • Butter, for flavoring (optional)

  • Oil, for flavoring (optional)

  • Salt, for flavoring (optional)

For Spicy Popcorn

  • 1 ½ teaspoons paprika

  • ¾ coarse salt

  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin

  • Pinch of cayenne pepper

  • Pinch of ground black pepper

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn

  • 2 tablespoons sugar

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • ½ teaspoon coarse salt

  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

For Parmesan Popcorn

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • ¾ teaspoon coarse salt

  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

  1. In a large heavy-bottom saucepan, stir together 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1/2 cup popcorn kernels; cover partially with lid to allow steam to escape.

  2. Cook over medium heat until popping slows, 4 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat; let stand (covered) until popping stops, 1 minute. Toss hot popcorn with more oil or butter and salt, as desired. (For other flavorings, see below)

FOR SPICY POPCORN

  1. Combine paprika, salt, cumin, cayenne, and black pepper. Toss hot popcorn with oil to coat evenly, then toss with spice mixture.

FOR CINNAMON SUGAR POPCORN

  1. Combine sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Toss hot popcorn with melted butter to coat evenly, then toss with sugar mixture.

FOR PARMESAN POPCORN

  1. Combine Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Toss hot popcorn with oil to coat evenly, then toss with Parmesan mixture.

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