Popcorn is a low-calorie and very nutritious dish, but its main advantage is the possibility of cooking at home. To do this, you will need a frying pan, corn and a few ingredients to taste. And in just a few minutes, the dish will be ready.

Corn for popcorn

They showed the world popcorn, which, hundreds of years before the discovery of the continent, heated grains on stones. After such a peculiar frying, delicious crispy flakes were formed. In Europe, this dish originated in Ukraine. The locals made popcorn from homemade corn and called it rams.

However, not all varieties of grains are ideal for frying. Therefore, before making popcorn from corn, you need to choose the right culture. Cooks advise frying only wild-growing varieties, as their grains have a more durable and elastic shell. Ordinary corn, intended for cooking, is not suitable for popcorn. Grains of such varieties quickly burst, not having time to fry normally.

It is recommended to make popcorn from the so-called "wild". Grains of uncultivated corn have a strong shell that can withstand high temperatures. Also they contain a large number of fiber and starch. The advantage of wild-growing varieties is that the water inside the grain has time to optimally heat up and turn into steam before the shell bursts. When the pressure reaches its maximum, the pulp is poured out and instantly fried. It is noteworthy that making popcorn from corn at home is several times cheaper than buying it ready-made in the store.

nutritional value

It is generally accepted that popcorn is a high-calorie dish, which makes it unsuitable for a diet. In fact, this is a misconception, as 100 grams of roasted grains contain only 300 calories. As for nutrients, three-quarters of them are carbohydrates, the remaining share is divided between fats and proteins.

Popcorn made from regular corn contains slightly more calories than wild corn. such a dish is up to 520 calories. Popcorn also contains iron, riboflavin and thiamine, but the main beneficial component for the body is fiber, which makes up about 15 percent of the total mass of the product.

Popcorn in its traditional form does not contain harmful substances and is ideal for a diet. Another thing is when spices or oil are added to the dish, then you definitely can’t wait for the benefits, and it can hardly be called low-calorie. Some people make popcorn for dessert by mixing it with sugar or syrup. Energy value such a dish can reach up to 900 calories per 100 grams.

It is allowed to fry grains on butter or because it withstands heat treatment well. It is important that the cooking utensils are always covered with a lid. To evenly heat the grains, shake the pan (pot) slightly, if possible. And do not forget: the more oil, the higher the calorie content and the lower the vitamin value of the dish.

Harm or benefit

There are various rumors about the effect of popcorn on the human body. For example, Madonna herself has repeatedly claimed that it was he who allowed her to bring herself into perfect shape after giving birth. In addition, nutritionists around the world unanimously say that roasted corn kernels do not have many calories, but are very nutritious. They also contain a lot of fiber, which significantly reduces the risk of stomach cancer and various heart diseases.

On the other hand, before making popcorn from corn, it is important to know the disadvantages of this dish. By itself, it is harmless, but not a single cooking option is complete without the addition of seasonings. For example, diacytyl flavoring is widely used, which is considered a very strong allergen and negatively affects the lungs. Another disadvantage is the chemicals that are used to fertilize the fields. This method of increasing yields is especially in demand in a number of countries in Europe and America.

Do not risk eating popcorn on an empty stomach or immediately in large portions. An excess of corn in the diet can worsen the condition of people prone to varicose veins. It is recommended to consume this dish no more than 2-3 times a week on a full stomach.

What is popcorn made in?

You can fry the grains in any heat-resistant dishes. Popcorn made from regular corn is usually cooked in a pan. To do this, it is heated, poured a couple of spoons vegetable oil, add a pinch of salt or sugar, and only then grains. It is important that even before the corn begins to “pop”, the lid is lowered into the pan. Fry only on low heat. On average, one serving takes up to 10 minutes to prepare.

Some people resort to the help of home appliances. How to cook from corn All you need is 2 teaspoons of oil. No more than a third of an ordinary glass should be poured into the multicooker at a time. Salt is not recommended as it corrodes the coating of the bowl.

You can make popcorn even faster. It is important here that the container has high sides. This method gives the highest calorie product, since all grains must be covered with oil, and there will be no possibility to shake the container. Two minutes is enough to prepare one serving.

How to make popcorn from corn in a pan (cauldron)? This is the most popular method among housewives, as it does not require additional equipment and special skills. The only downside is that it takes a long time to cook. For frying, it is necessary to fill the bottom of the dish with a thin layer of oil. Here you can safely add salt directly to the pan. At one time, many grains cannot be fried, but there will be fewer unopened ones.

Popcorn preparation

You can make a delicious air treat without much difficulty at home. A tall saucepan with a lid is ideal for this. Before making popcorn from corn, you need to dry the grains well. Avid cooks are also advised to hold them for about an hour in freezer so that the pressure when opening on fire is stronger.

For 100 grams of corn is 2 tbsp. tablespoons of butter, preferably butter. Add seasoning or salt to taste. The grains are evenly poured onto the hot bottom of the pan, after which they are covered with a lid. Fry only on low heat. It is necessary to shake the container slightly so that all the grains are saturated with oil. After 2-3 minutes, when the corn stops "exploding", you can lift the lid and start frying a new portion.

caramel popcorn

Many people prefer a sweet treat to a salty one. But how do you make corn popcorn so that it's caramelized and literally melts in your mouth? To do this, you need a small saucepan, and preferably a small cauldron. A quarter cup of corn is 4 tablespoons of oil, 2 tablespoons of water, 1/2 tablespoon of soda and a glass of sugar. It's also a good idea to add some lemon juice.

This popcorn is fried traditional way in oil with the lid closed. To make caramel, you will need another saucepan in which water and sugar are mixed. Cook the mixture to a homogeneous viscous mass, stirring constantly. As soon as the caramel is ready, you need to quickly add soda to it. Then foam is formed from the sweet mass, which must be mixed with popcorn. The dish will cool down for about 5-7 minutes.

spicy popcorn

Its peculiarity lies in the long list of ingredients. The recipe includes corn kernels, syrup, vanilla, salt, sugar, oil and chili. For starters, it is recommended to make a spicy dressing. 1/2 cup sugar, 25 grams is mixed in a vessel butter, 50 ml 2 tablespoons of water, 1 tablespoon of vanilla and a pinch of pepper. All this mass is cooked over low heat for about 20 minutes.

Only after preparing the dressing can you start frying popcorn from corn. Before serving, pour over the opened grains with hot syrup.

Exotic popcorn sweets

In the East, it is customary to eat fried corn kernels with raisins or nuts in a sweet form. Such dishes are very appetizing and satisfying. Before making oriental popcorn from corn, you need to prepare the icing and other ingredients.

For 1 cup of grains, you need 1/2 cup of nuts and raisins, 300 grams of chocolate and 2 tablespoons of butter. The corn is roasted at the same time as the nuts. Then raisins are added, popcorn is poured with melted chocolate. Served on small saucers in the form of cakes.

To make popcorn from ordinary corn, you need to dry its grains well on a radiator, and cool them in a freezer before cooking (about an hour).

The lid of the pot (pan) should fit snugly against the edges of the container.

Microwave popcorn cooks faster, but popcorn cooks more airy on a regular stovetop.

You can season it with any spices and syrups, but all such additives will affect the calorie content of the dish.

Opened corn kernels are called popcorn. He is loved by both children and adults. Nutritionists declare the harmlessness of this dish. But it is necessary when preparing it to pay attention to the oil on which the popcorn will be fried. Prepare a dish of corn kernels and sunflower oil. You can fry popcorn in the microwave, in a pan or in a slow cooker. The taste of the dish can be sweet, salty and even spicy.

How much to fry

For cooking delicious dish at home does not need too much time. Just 15-20 minutes and you will be able to enjoy delicious popcorn by preparing it at home.

Cooking

Fried snack from corn grains. It is worth considering carefully their choice. You should choose corn with a dense shell. By appearance it should be smooth and glossy. Stores specifically sell corn kernels for making popcorn at home. If you choose soft grains, then air flakes will not work. This is due to the fact that the rupture of the shell occurs quickly, but the core of the corn does not have time to heat up and become larger in size. Therefore, you should choose the right corn kernels.

Tip: Depending on which flavor you prefer, prepare salt, sugar or spices.

In addition to the listed ingredients, you should carefully consider sunflower oil. It is best to take an unrefined variety and without the presence of any smell.

in a frying pan

To fry popcorn, you need to take a frying pan. For a dish, you can use any, but it is important to choose with a lid. If you do not cover the pan with a lid, then the corn will “jump out”. A small portion of the grains should be put in the pan, otherwise they will not open during the frying process, and the flakes will become hard.

1. 1. Take a frying pan, put on gas, light a fire. It should not be too strong, otherwise the grains will burn. Pour in sunflower oil. Glow up.

1. 1. Take corn and pour into the pan in a small amount. Cover the lid immediately. It does not need to make the fire smaller.

1. 1. After a minute, you can hear the explosions of the grains, this indicates their transformation. They become white flakes. Shake the pan several times until explosions are heard, without having to remove the lid.

1. 1. After the clicks stop, turn off the fire, remove the lid. It is necessary to make sure that the grains are opened. If there is a whole corn, it should be removed.

1. The finished dish is cooled and then poured into a specially prepared container.

in the microwave

Can be fried delicious snack in microwave oven or microwave oven.

It is necessary to prepare glassware that is placed inside the appliance. Fried from corn kernels with the addition of vegetable oil.

How to fry:

1. 1. Arrange the corn in a single layer on the bottom of a microwave-safe dish. There should not be too many grains.

1. 1. Take a small amount of oil and pour over the corn kernels so that a small oil film appears on them.

1. Take the lid and cover the container tightly with it. Put the prepared dishes inside the microwave and fry there for 5 minutes. After the cessation of intense pops, air flakes are taken out of microwave oven. Dish sprinkled on top a small amount powdered sugar or salt.

Tastes

In addition to the above methods, you can fry popcorn in a pan. It is imperative to choose dishes with a transparent lid so that you can track the cooking process without fear of injury.

Take a pan, pour oil and put on fire. After boiling the oil, pour the corn on the bottom of the container in one layer. Cover the pot with a lid and cook until the corn kernels start to explode.

As soon as the claps talking about the opening of popcorn begin, you should turn off the fire. The opening of the remaining corn will occur in hot sunflower oil, as it is affected by high temperature.

Tip: If desired, you can add salt, spices, pepper or powdered sugar.

Kids love sweet popcorn the most. Do not sprinkle with sugar, as the taste of the dish will be sugary-sweet. It is better to take powdered sugar and sprinkle a little popcorn with it. In addition to sugar, you can use chocolate powder or honey to prepare a sweet dish.

Adults, depending on taste preferences, can take supplements. Salted corn flakes are popular. There are actually many additions. Spicy lovers can take pepper and spices as an additive.

To fry popcorn at home, you do not need special knowledge. Need to have corn kernels durum varieties and a great mood, because if this is not the case, then the dish will be spoiled.

How to store

Dry, unpopped corn kernels are best stored in a tightly sealed container in the freezer. The remains of popped corn (without oil) can be folded into plastic bag with a zipper and store at room temperature within 2 weeks. If the corn has been treated with oil, keep it in the refrigerator. To reheat popcorn, scatter popcorn on a rimmed baking sheet and place in oven at 160C for 5-10 minutes.

How to Refresh Dried Popcorn Kernels

Some grains dry out and do not burst. Soak them overnight cold water. Drain and dry thoroughly before use.

What to do so that the popcorn does not get damp

Remove the lid as soon as the corn stops popping to prevent steam from condensing on the lid and dripping back into the pot onto the fresh popcorn.

How to mix with salt

First mix popcorn with melted butter. A wet surface holds salt better and
other seasonings.

How to reduce fat

Pour the popcorn kernels into paper bag and spray with cooking spray. Seal the bag and microwave on high for 2-4 minutes until the grains pop.

How to Improve the Taste of Microwaved Reduced Fat Popcorn

Brush lightly with vegetable oil (so that the spices stick), then toss with the seasonings. Prepare seasoning mixes as below and stir in 8 cups of popcorn (made from a cup of corn)

popcorn recipes

SIMULTANEOUSLY AND EVENLY HEAT ALL GRAINS TO THE OPENING TEMPERATURE.

1. Use only vegetable oil. The best is coconut. Maybe corn. Worst of all - sunflower. You need a little oil - cover the bottom of the dish with a layer of melted butter. ALWAYS IN A CLOSED POT! EXPLODING GRAINS JUMP LIKE I DON'T KNOW WHAT. Diet popcorn is prepared without oil in a non-stick pan.

2. Preheat the cookware to operating temperature before adding the grain - the grain will open better.

3. To mix the grain during the heating process, you need to shake it up. If this is not done, the grain will open worse, and the finished flakes will burn. In the apparatus for home cooking popcorn STIR CRAZY has a stirrer.

4. Do not overload the dishes with grain. If the dishes are overfilled, shaking will not help, because. there will be no free space.
In a four-liter pan - no more than 150 grams of grain.

5. The cooking process ends when the opening pops are no longer heard.

6. Remove unopened grains from the finished product! It's too hard for teeth! To do this, shake the dishes several times. Unopened grains will settle to the bottom. After that, carefully pour the cereal into plates so that the unexploded grains remain in the pot or pan.

Just salty popcorn: powdered salt is poured into a heated dish along with grain. DO NOT use coarse table salt! She won't dissolve. Americans love to flavor with butter. To do this, you need to prepare 35-45 grams of small cream chips from frozen butter, and sprinkle it with still hot popcorn.

Just sweet popcorn vegetable oil should be filled more - 30 grams per 100 grams of grain. Powdered sugar is poured into a heated dish on top of the heated grain. Cook over low heat so that the sugar does not burn too much to the bottom. The melted sugar glazes the finished flakes.

Classic American popcorn is prepared exactly on coconut oil. After cooking, it is seasoned with additives (usually "cheese" or "bacon") and sprinkled with finely chopped butter. Everything is to taste. By the way, the STIR CRAZY machine provides a simple way to apply butter on popcorn during cooking.

The recipe is simple: buy microwave popcorn. Further - according to the instructions.

Oriental s-a-ads from popcorn

For 30 pieces: 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil, 100 g of milk chocolate icing, 50 g dark chocolate icing, ½ cup nuts, raisins, and popcorn.

Pour vegetable oil into a large saucepan and sprinkle with corn.
(Remember, 25 grams of popcorn makes about a liter of popcorn!).
Cover with a lid, put on fire and hold the lid tightly. The popcorn is ready when the corn stops popping.
Now let's prepare the glaze: melt two types of glaze in a water bath, mix them, heat over low heat. Add popcorn, raisins and nuts. It's good to mix everything. Then spread the mass with a teaspoon on a kitchen board, and form cakes with the second spoon.

Popcorn balls of Grandma Petrella (American Grandmother)

Components:
1 cup sugar
⅓ cup white corn syrup
⅓ cup water
¼ cup butter or margarine
¾ teaspoon salt
¾ teaspoon vanilla
3 liters of ready-made popcorn

Directions:

Prepare popcorn and remove any unopened kernels.
Combine sugar, syrup, water, oil and salt in a saucepan. Stir until sugar dissolves.
Cook over low heat without stirring until the syrup is able to turn into brittle balls in cold water (132°C on a candy thermometer).
Add vanilla and mix lightly so that the vanilla is evenly distributed throughout the volume.
Slowly pour syrup over popcorn and mix well.
Wet your hands lightly and roll the mixture into balls. Do not press hard - just so that the balls stick together.
When the balls have cooled, wrap each in wax paper.
Make about 12 popcorn balls.

BON APPETIT!

How to make delicious popcorn at home

Popcorn itself is not a harmful product, it's just "exploded" corn grains. But the quality of the butter (especially how many times it has been used) and artificial additives are exactly what sets us apart from children eating store-bought popcorn. Much better to treat the kids to homemade popcorn, which is both safer and tastier.

To make popcorn at home, we need corn grains (pay attention to the composition of the product, there should be nothing extraneous in the annotation, only corn) and vegetable oil. Popcorn can be cooked in the microwave or simply on the stovetop in a pot. Practice shows that it is easier to make popcorn in a saucepan, because it is easier to keep track of it so that it does not burn. Sweet or salty, caramel or chocolate, popcorn with lemon flavor - in the article you will find recipes for every taste.

How to make popcorn at home: in the microwave

To the bottom plastic container pour a little vegetable oil and spread the corn. Many grains are not needed, as they will greatly increase in volume. Shake the container so that the grains are covered with an oil film. It is important that the grains lie in one row. We cover the container with corn on top with a cap and send it to the microwave for about a couple of minutes (at full power). At first, intense and frequent pops will be heard, as soon as it becomes quieter, it’s a good idea to check the popcorn (it may burn a little and the taste of the dish will deteriorate).

How to make popcorn at home: on the stove

Pour a little vegetable oil into a saucepan with a tight lid (preferably transparent to see the whole process) and heat it up. To test, throw one grain into the oil, if it opens, then the oil has warmed up enough. Pour the grain, shake and close the lid. We remind you once again, the grain should lie in only one layer! As soon as pops begin to be heard, that is, the corn begins to explode, remove the pan from the heat. The remaining grains will open themselves, because the oil is hot.

How to flavor popcorn at home

Now comes the fun part - giving the popcorn flavor and aroma. Popcorn can be sweet, salty or spicy. Choose the option according to your taste.

salted popcorn

To make salty popcorn, salt the still-hot popcorn with fine salt, preferably sea salt or iodized salt. You can add chopped dried herbs or spices. Some put pepper (black pepper is especially good in combination with nutmeg).

sweet popcorn

Children, of course, prefer sweet popcorn. The easiest way is to sprinkle the still hot popcorn with powdered sugar (you can add a little vanilla sugar or shredded coconut).

You can make popcorn with lemon or orange flavor. To make your own natural citrus flavor, you need to remove the zest from a lemon or orange, dry it and grind it together with sugar in a coffee grinder. It turns out not only fragrant, but also a color additive. Try sprinkling hot popcorn with this mixture, very tasty and beautiful.

To make caramel popcorn, you need to melt a little good butter in a pan, add sugar and cook, stirring, until caramel forms. Then just pour the caramel over the popcorn and you're done. You can add a little cocoa to the caramel, you get chocolate popcorn.

Recipes for making sweet, salty and caramel popcorn at home.

Popcorn is considered a traditional snack that is used while watching movies. In our country, the delicacy became known not so long ago, but the first mention of popcorn was found in 1492. When Columbus arrived in America, he saw on the neck local residents popcorn beads.

What kind of corn is homemade popcorn made from?

Not every variety of corn is suitable for making popcorn. This is a special kind that contains starch and water droplets. Inside, corn grains are not hard, but quite soft, but the outer shell is strong and glassy. This prevents damage to the grain. When exposed to high temperatures, water droplets inside the grains boil, tearing the shell. The pulp is on the outside.

How to make salty popcorn at home: recipe

There are many options for cooking popcorn, it all depends on what kind of dishes you have available. Special devices for making popcorn have been created, which provide an optimal and uniform heating mode.

Popcorn options:

• Hot air machine. The principle of operation of the apparatus is very simple. Hot air is supplied, which affects the grains and they explode. The principle is similar to the operation of a hair dryer.
• Stove boiler. This is a kind of bowl with a handle that needs to be constantly rotated. It makes great popcorn. True, the risk of burning is high.
• Pan. The easiest option. Corn simply warms up in a pan with constant stirring. There is a risk of burning.
• Microwave. Ideal device for making popcorn. Now varieties have been created specifically for cooking in the microwave.

Recipe:

• Let's cook on our own simple recipe in a frying pan
• Pour some oil into the pan and heat it well.
• Add a handful of popcorn and stir constantly
• As the grains heat up, they will explode to form popcorn.
• Sprinkle the finished popcorn with fine salt and mix

How to make sweet popcorn at home: recipe

Perfect option low calorie dessert. Many consider popcorn to be a children's dish, and rightly so. He is absolutely harmless.

Recipe:

• Put the pan on the fire and heat it well
• Pour in a handful of corn and cover the container
• It is necessary to constantly shake the dish so that nothing burns.
• When all the grains explode, you can remove the lid and mix
• Sprinkle some powdered sugar on top and shake the corn

How to make caramel popcorn at home: recipe

There is no difficulty in preparing such corn.

Ingredients:

• 250 g sugar
• Spoon of lemon juice
• 2 spoons of water
• Corn
• 40 ml oil
• 1/4 cup corn kernels
• pinch of soda

R recipe:

• Pour the grains into a frying pan with oil and sweat a little over the fire, stirring constantly.
• Cover with a lid and wait until all the grains open.
• Now take it off the heat and get on with the caramel
• In a large bowl, mix sugar, lemon juice and water, put on fire
• Stir constantly until the sugar melts.
• Cook until you get a viscous transparent mass with a characteristic smell of caramel.
• When everything is ready, spread the popcorn on parchment paper by spreading it on a baking sheet
• Pour soda into the caramel, the mass will begin to bubble and hiss, at this very moment pour it over the popcorn
• After hardening, you will get popcorn in a crispy glaze.

How to cook popcorn from corn in the oven, microwave, frying pan, slow cooker: cooking features, tips

A slow cooker is an assistant in the kitchen of modern housewives. It makes popcorn easy to make.

Instructions for cooking in a slow cooker:

• It is necessary to take a dry bowl and pour about 20 ml of oil into it, immediately pour in the corn
• Close the lid and turn on the “baking” mode for 7 minutes
• You need to control the crackling, as soon as it stops, remove the bowl from the device

AND Microwave Instructions:

• Pour 2 tablespoons of oil into a glass or ceramic container and add grains
• Shake the bowl well to distribute the oil in a thin layer.
• Add corn kernels and cover, cook 4 minutes
• Make sure that the grains do not burn, this happens often in the microwave

Instructions for cooking in the oven:

• Pour 20 ml of vegetable oil onto a baking sheet and pour out the popcorn
• Preheat the oven to 180 degrees and place a baking sheet in it
• Cook in a closed cabinet, turn down the heat
• When the grains stop exploding, remove the popcorn

As you can see, everything is very simple and fast. The cost of a snack is 10 times cheaper than in a cinema.

VIDEO: Popcorn at home