Crispy, buttery and full of feel-good flavour, popcorn is the ultimate lazy food. Whether you want to spend a day lounging in front of the TV or want to silence your kids as they hanker for an evening snack - popcorn comes to the rescue. While store bought alternatives sound easier to prepare, once you've mastered the art of making perfect popcorn at home, your home made version will quickly become the ultimate companion for everything from movie nights in to a lazy day out. Glazed with honey, mixed with nutella or even topped with garlic - there seems to be a variation for every craving.
Unflavoured popcorn
Warm 2 unpopped corn kernels in a large lidded saucepan with a glug of oil over medium heat. When the kernels start popping, add the rest of the corn kernels to the pan. Shake the pan to coat the corn kernels with oil and keep the lid on. Shake the pan occasionally, until the popping slows. Take off from heat immediately. Usually ½ cup of unpopped corn kernels makes about 10-12 cups of popcorn.
Caramel popcorn
½ cup butter 1 cup brown sugar ¼ tsp salt A pinch of baking soda Sprinkling of cinnamon powderIn a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add in the brown sugar and salt. Shake the pan and bring it to a boil while scraping the bottom of the pan continuously. Remove from pan and stir in baking soda.
Place the popcorn in a large bowl and drizzle over the caramel immediately. Toss to combine. Dust cinnamon powder to get the extra bit of sweetness!
Garlic popcorn
3 tbsp olive oil 4-6 cloves of garlic ½ tsp salt 1 tbsp parsley Sprinkling of ParmesanIn a saucepan, add a glug of olive oil. Sauté garlic over medium heat. Add in the salt and parsley. Remove from heat and toss in the popcorn to combine. Sprinkle in some Parmesan cheese or any other cheese of your choice.
