Popcorn is one of my favourite snacks because, one it is so easy to make and two, it is quite healthy, especially if you aren't adding butter or loads of sugar. Today's recipe however is a sweet and salty popcorn prepared over a stove. For extra flavour, some butter is added to the melted sugar before it is mixed with the popcorn. I personally don't know a single person who owns a popcorn machine in their home and so if you have never made popcorn, then this is a good place to start.
If you are interested in other snacks, then this tasty agbeli kaklo made from cassava or this very delicious kelewele are great options to try.
Ingredients
For this popcorn recipe, you will be needing popcorn, sugar, salt, vegetable oil as well as some butter. The butter is optional and therefore that can be left out especially if dairy is not part of your diet.
Instructions
The popcorn is first popped in a pot with some vegetable oil and salt. Ideally, you want a large pot so that when the kernels are popped they don't overfill the pot.
The sugar is melted separately and slowly in a pot that is large enough to also hold the popped kernels comfortably. This is necessary so that when mixing the 2, the popcorn does not spill over. Once the sugar is melted and is turning brown, add the butter and stir until the mixture is homogenous. Add the popcorn and mix until evenly coated.
Transfer immediately into a tray and leave to cool. To separate the pieces which are clumped together, simply use your fingers or transfer the popcorn into a ziplock bag and press lightly.
Variations
- No Butter - you can completely leave out the butter for this sweet and salty popcorn and just use the melted sugar. The butter however gives this snack a lovely caramel taste but is just as good without it.
Storing Popcorn
The best way to store popcorn generally is in an airtight ziplock bag or a clear plastic bag so that it does not get soft. Anything which is airtight works well for storing popcorn.
Tips
- Do not let the melted sugar become too dark because that would mean your sugar is burnt and that will carry over into the popcorn.
- Once the sugar is melted, work quickly to mix the popcorn with the sugar. The sugar will harden once it becomes cold and that is impossible to work with.
Sweet and Salty Popcorn
Ingredients
- 100 grams popcorn
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- ½ tablespoon butter optional
Instructions
- In a large pot and over medium heat, add vegetable oil, and salt.
- Add one kernel, wait for it to pop completely, and take it out.
- Add all the kernels to the pot and cover with a lid and reduce the heat to very low.
- Carefully, shake the pot around once or twice.
- Once all the kernels are popped, set the popcorn aside.
- In a large pot and over low heat, melt the sugar. Once completely melted and light brown in colour, add butter, stir until uniform, and turn off the heat.
- Quickly add the popcorn and mix with a wooden spoon until the popcorn is coated with the melted sugar. See notes.
- Put the popcorn into a tray and then leave to cool. Some will stick together at this point.
- Once all the popcorn is cool, either put them into a ziplock bag or a clear plastic bag and press lightly to separate any pieces that are stuck together.
- Store in an airtight container to prevent popcorn from going soft.
Video
Notes
- Hot melted sugar is dangerous so take care when mixing. Ideally use a deep and large pot.
- Do not attempt to eat this sweet and salty popcorn while hot! The hot sugar could burn your mouth.
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