Crispy, buttery and full of feel-good flavour, popcorn is the ultimate lazy foods. 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 homemade 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 a cup of unpopped corn kernels makes about 10-12 cups of popcorn.
Caramel popcorn
½ cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
¼tsp salt
A pinch of baking soda
Sprinkling of cinnamon powder
In 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
3tbsp olive oil
4-6 cloves of garlic
½tsp salt
1tbsp parsley
Sprinkling of parmesan
In a saucepan, add a glug of olive oil. Saute 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.
