Snacking in the City

I am a HUGE fan of snacking. Snacks here, snacks there, snacks everywhere. One of my favourite snacks, which I like to believe is semi-healthy and nutritious, is popcorn!

Traditionally, the "worst" part of eating popcorn is the excess of melted butter or margarine and salt. Yum. I recently attempted to mitigate this with a healthier alternative. That's right-- butter and salt free popcorn.

I tend to stray from pre-popped kernels as you're likely getting a larger amount of fats and salt than you bargained for (also, unpopped kernels are incredibly inexpensive! You can get them for as little as 29 cents per 100g at your local Save on Foods).

I start with a quarter-cup of popcorn kernels and 2 teaspoons of oil. I have an amazing microwaveable popcorn popper that I tend to use, but this can also be done in stove-top pots and air poppers! I pop on medium-high heat (power 8 on the microwave) for about 2 and a half minutes or until the popping slows or ceases for up to five seconds. The popcorn should have a slight sheen to it from the oil when removed from the popper (pot, bowl, airpopper, etc.) of your choice and transferred to any size bowl. This will allow any seasonings to stick to the popcorn.

My favourite seasoning is a mix of onion and garlic powder, oregano, and red chilli flakes. Yum! I sprinkle on top of the popcorn, invert a plate on top of the bowl, and SHAKE. This helps to disperse the seasoning throughout the bowl. Other toppings are equally as delicious. Consider topping with garlic powder and nutritional yeast for a nearly-cheesy, delicious option!

#food #popcorn #snacks #healthy #vegetarian #yum #delicious