By Gen Jean, Mom to James and Lily
Making your own microwave popcorn is easy, less expensive, more nutritious and you can even re-use or recycle the bags it’s made in. Plus, with numerous topping combinations, the potential to satisfy your inner gourmet is endless.
Cost savings: Natural and organic microwave popcorn runs about $1 per bag. Buy your kernels in bulk, including brown paper lunch bags, and your cost per bag for healthy, organic, homemade microwave popcorn is about half the price!
Nutrition: Popcorn is 100% whole grain and contains antioxidants. Look for organic kernels (found in bulk or bagged) at natural food stores or in the natural foods section of your local grocery store. A ½ cup of popcorn—before adding toppings—is only 31 calories, 0 grams of fat and 0 grams of cholesterol.
Make your own microwave popcorn at home with a plain, brown paper lunch bag by following these easy steps:
- Open the brown paper bag
- Add ½ cup of popcorn kernels to the bag
- Fold the bag 2-3 times (don’t use staples or anything metal as it will spark in your microwave)
- Microwave until popping slows to one or two pops per second; microwave ovens do vary, so try 2 ½-3 minutes
- Top as desired and enjoy! Get creative with seasonings or try one of the recipes below
Thai:
1 tbsp. dried Thai basil, 1 tbsp. curry powder, ½ tsp. Thai chili powder, ¼ cup coconut flakes, ¼ cup peanuts, zest from one lime, and sea salt to taste
Mexican:
1 tbsp. cumin, 1 tbsp. chili powder, 1 tbsp. cocoa powder, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and sea salt to taste
BBQ Style:
1 tbsp. smoked paprika, ½ tsp. onion powder, ½ tsp. garlic powder, a pinch of brown sugar, and sea salt to taste
