I use my microwave oven for two things, as a back-up timer and to disinfect my sponges. Killing anything alive is what a microwave does best, no? When people find out I don’t put food in the microwave, they always ask, “how do you reheat leftovers and how in the world do you make popcorn?” I have to laugh because I know that anyone who is my age grew up without this appliance and surely remembers a time when our parents perhaps reheated last night’s stew in a pot??? Yes, of course, it takes 5 minutes longer and then you actually have to wash the pot, but I am really not a fan of the microwave. Even though I can find studies making a case against the microwave, I can also find literature which outlines that microwaves are not bad for you. Welcome to the world of nutrition — where you can always find someone who will tell you what you want to hear! So be it, but I still don’t trust them and I think it changes the texture of many different foods and not for the better. And if memory serves me, I think it makes the food you are cooking less tasty. That’s reason enough for me to not use one.
What I can argue with conviction is that most microwave popcorns aren’t worth feeding to a starving animal, let alone my kids. Have you read the ingredient list of many of the microwave popcorns in your supermarket? Here are just two examples:
Pop Corn, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil (Adds A Dietary Insignificant Amount of Trans Fat Per Serving), Salt, Natural Flavors, Annatto For Coloring, Soy Lecithin
Popcorn, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil and Cottonseed Oil, Salt, Modified Cornstarch, Maltodextrin, Monosodium Glutamate, Natural Flavor & Artificial Flavor, Color (Yellow 5 Lake & Yellow 6 Lake), Nonfat Milk, Freshness Preserved by Propyl Gallate.
Nice. And that’s just the ingredients inside the package. We’re not even discussing the chemicals lining the bag itself. The good news is that you can still make popcorn the old fashioned way, the way my mom taught me — on the stove. And you know what? It’s sooooo much better than the microwaved junk if you follow a few key tips.
First, use good quality popcorn, preferably non-GMO, such as Eden Oragnic. Next, use coconut oil to pop the corn. It’s a more stable oil to heat than vegetable oils and it makes the popcorn taste like the kind you get at the movie theater. Lastly, keep the lid on the pot open a half inch or so to let some of the steam escape so that your kernels stay nice and crisp. Perfect for an after-school snack, sleepover party, to eat while watching your child or grandchild’s Little League game and of course, to sneak into your local movie theater. Shhhhhhh!
NOT Microwave Popcorn
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons coconut oil
- 1/2 cup good quality popcorn, such as Eden Organic
- sea salt to taste
- melted butter to drizzle on top, if that's your thing
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a heavy bottomed 3-quart pot over medium heat. (I used one that was 8 inches in diameter and 5 inches deep.) Add 3 kernels of popcorn to the pot and cover with a lid. This is how my mom did it. Don't ask me why it was 3 kernels and not 2 or 4. When the kernels pop (this usually takes about 2 1/2 - 3 minutes), add the 1/2 cup of popcorn in an even layer and cover with the lid, but not all the way. Leave it open about 1/2 inch to allow steam to escape but not wide enough to let the popcorn pop right out.
- Shake the pot every now and then. If you can't shake it with the lid ajar, cover the pot, shake and open the lid again when you return the pot to the heat.
- Once the popping reduces to several seconds in between each pop, take the pot off the heat and remove the lid. Sprinkle with sea salt and transfer to a serving bowl. Taste for salt and add another sprinkle if necessary. If you like melted butter on top, now's the time to drizzle it.
Notes
Like this recipe? Rate & comment below!
Our daughter just got back from a 5day school backpacking trip. She said she wanted me to greet her at the bus with a healthy snack that would fill her up and this is what she chose. Huge improvement over the days of requesting donuts! Thanks for sharing your wisdom.
Looks like you’re doing something right! love it!
Thank you so much for sharing this! I’ve heard how nasty the chemicals on the inside of the microwave bags are and I’ve missed popcorn so much but haven’t bought it b/c of this. Very glad to see this recipe & so excited to try it! I have coconut oil in my cupboard that I haven’t used in a while so I was also pleased to have found another use for it 😉
Microwave popcorn is really awful stuff. Truthfully, I think stovetop popcorn made with coconut oil is better than any other popcorn. As far as coconut oil goes, I use it to cook pancakes, French toast, roast vegetables (especially cauliflower and sweet potatoes), and more. Love the stuff!
Yes friends of mine use it in place of butter in many of their recipes like chocolate cake, it was pretty good 🙂
There are a few baked goods on my site that use coconut oil — check out the Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies, Pumpkin Muffins and Zucchini Bread!
love your website, just getting to learn about all you do from a couple friends. fabulous recipes! where, though did you get the cute popcorn tubs? would love to have some for my daughters pajama party!!!
Thank you and welcome, Heidi! I bought the popcorn tubs at Smart & Final, but it was a few years ago so I don’t know if they still carry them. I’m sure you could call and find out.
love your website, was just introduced to me…just getting into it..however, where can i find those cute popcorn tubs? for my daughters party. 🙂
I did not know to leave the lid slightly off. Good tip. That’s probably why yours is crunchy and mine chewy! Who knew?
Thanks, Pamela. I was tickled to see that you use coconut oil, as that has been my choice for popping corn also. I will certainly use the idea of leaving the lid part way open next time to allow crisping. I always look forward to your recipes and ideas.
Check out Riehle’s Select for interesting types of “not microwave” popcorn – Shaman Blue, Organic Baby Yellow, Sunburst, etc. I got some as a gift years ago, and now it’s a family favorite!
Nancy, Thanks for the great tip. Just checked them out — very cool! Love that they have an organic option!
I always learn so much from you Pamela. Thanks for sharing such great information.
xx Barbara Eskowitz
You’re welcome, Barbara. Thanks for stopping by.
Hi Pamela,
Thank you. I enjoy your recipes, tips and most of all the stories and epigrams. Keep ’em comin’.
This made me smile as my father and I discussed this point last night. He is in visiting and said “don’t you have any popcorn?” I said of course would you like me to make it for you? He replied, “I didn’t see any bags.” You get the idea 🙂
Haha!! Thanks for sharing.