My microwave usage has gone way down since I started eating cleaner. I am not necessarily afraid of the “microwaves” emoting from the microwave, but I don’t think it cooks food quite the same as on the stove or in the oven. I think it kills a lot of healthy nutrients.
But I was intrigued to try homemade microwave popcorn. And I was surprised how easy it is! Healthy too!
I like purchasing organic popcorn, mainly because it’s free of pesticides and it will not be grown from GMO (genetically modified) corn seeds. I found the Arrowhead Mills brand at Whole Foods. Check the organic isle at your local grocery. Whole Foods also carried bulk organic popcorn if you don’t want to commit to a full bag.
I store my popcorn kernels in a medium sized stainless canister with a tight fitting lid. You can use any type of air-tight container. Some suggest to store popcorn kernels in the refrigerator or freezer, but I store in my cupboard.
TIP: If corn is not popping properly, don’t throw it away; first try storing it in the refrigerator for a couple of days. Excess moisture will dry out and hopefully it will pop better next time.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp popcorn kernels
- 1 lunch sized paper bag
- 1 tsp good quality extra virgin olive oil
- Optional salt to taste
Instructions:
- Measure 2 Tbsp of popcorn kernels and pour into a lunch sized paper bag.
- Don’t squish down the bag to release the air inside; fold over the opening of the bag. You can staple or tape, but I just leave it loose and I haven’t had any problems.
- Pop in microwave for about 1-2 minutes. IMPORTANT: don’t let it go too long. It pops fast, and it ends quickly! Once you don’t hear any popping noise, it’s probably on the verge of being burned! I still haven’t got the timing down perfectly!
- Pour into a large bowl and mix in 1 tsp of good quality extra virgin olive oil
- Mix in salt if needed, but remember it adds extra sodium.
You can keep re-using the same paper bag for additional servings too!
Enjoy this healthy fiber-rich snack!
Nutritional Data
One serving – does not include optional salt.
If topped with 1/8 tsp salt, add 290.7 sodium
Calories 124.8
Total Fat 5.5 g
Saturated Fat 0.6 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.4 g
Monounsaturated Fat 3.3 g
Cholesterol 0.0 mg
Sodium 0.0 mg
Potassium 65.0 mg
Total Carbohydrate 16.5 g
Dietary Fiber 3.5 g
Sugars 0.5 g
Protein 2.5 g
Vitamin A 0.0 %
Vitamin B-12 0.0 %
Vitamin B-6 0.0 %
Vitamin C 0.0 %
Vitamin D 0.0 %
Vitamin E 2.8 %
Calcium 0.0 %
Copper 0.0 %
Folate 0.0 %
Iron 3.1 %
Magnesium 0.0 %
Manganese 0.0 %
Niacin 0.0 %
Pantothenic Acid 0.0 %
Phosphorus 0.0 %
Riboflavin 0.0 %
Selenium 0.0 %
Thiamin 0.0 %
Zinc 0.0 %