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DIY Microwave Popcorn.

by on Jun 22, 2007

Store-bought microwave popcorn is kinda nasty: it tastes processed, gritty, and generally nothing like popcorn. Plus, when you can make your own, it becomes overpriced, and unnecessary. When one doesn’t have the time during a commercial break to stand in front of the stove shaking for seven or eight minutes, DIY microwave popcorn is a totally usable alternative that puts that toxic, yellow sludge-covered stuff to shame.

Spreading white color popcorn.

Ingredients:
A brown paper lunch bag
1/4 cup popcorn
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
Microwave
Serving bowl

1. Pour a 1/4 cup of quality, whole popcorn into a brown paper lunch bag
2. Fold the top over twice, and crease tightly.

A brown colour sheet is made as a cover.

3. Place the bag in the microwave, and microwave on high for 75-120 seconds. (90 seconds is perfect for my microwave). The first time you give it a try, watch and listen carefully, and stop the cooking once the pops become longer than two seconds apart.
4. Meanwhile, in a serving bowl, mix the oil and salt.
5. Once the popcorn is popped, transfer to the bowl and mix with the seasoning. You could do this directly in the bag, but the oil will turn the paper bag greasy.

6. Rush back to your seat, and devour.

White color popcorn in a bowl.

Other flavor options:

Herbaceous
Instead of olive oil, mix two tablespoons of melted butter and a tablespoon each of chopped fresh rosemary and thyme with the salt. Add fresh ground black pepper to taste.

Cilantro-Chile
Use a vegetable or corn oil in place of the olive oil, and add 2 teaspoons of dried, crushed ancho chiles (or ancho chile powder), an 1/8 teaspoon of ground cumin, the zest of 1/2 a lime, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro/coriander.

Parmigiano
Use extra-virgin olive oil, then add 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano and 1/4 teaspoon seasoning salt. Add dried or fresh herbs as desired.

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