Garlic Dill Popcorn

Happy Labor Day weekend everyone!  I hope you all have three days off in this gorgeous weather for festivities or just some R&R.  

If you know me, you know that I have a passion, well, slight obsession, with popcorn.  It’s cheap, it’s easy, it’s versatile and has a satisfying crunch-factor.  I grew up with air-popped popcorn so I’ve been snacking on it since I was a toddler (I even have a scar to prove it). 

Historically, corn has been around for thousands of years however, popcorn was first introduced into mainstream cuisine as a breakfast food (see what I mean about versatile) and now it is most popularly sold at the movies, baseball games or fairs.  Microwave bags increased the popularity of popcorn at home but unfortunately, some recent health concerns about what goes in the bags have popped up.

Here are some easy ways to make popcorn at home:

Air popper – No oil needed, follow manufacturer instructions.

Paper bag –  Also, no oil needed.  Place 1/4 -1/3 cup kernels in a paper lunch bag.  Fold the top down several times, about ½ inch folds.  Place in microwave for about 2 minutes, depending on microwave.  Stay close and listen for the popping to slow and remove, otherwise popcorn may burn.  Open carefully and pour into a large bowl.

Stove-top – Heat 2 tbsp. oil in a large saucepan on the stove at medium-high heat.  Add 1/4-1/3 cup kernels, cover with lid and shake back and forth until popping almost stops. Being extremely careful of steam, remove from heat and pour into a large bowl.

Try this version below for a savory snack that's perfect for after work or cuddled up with your favorite movie.

Garlic Dill Popcorn

Serves 2-3

Ingredients:

1/4 cup popcorn kernels (about 8 cups popped)

1 tbsp. unsalted butter (or olive oil)

1 tbsp. lemon juice

¼ teaspoon minced garlic

1/8 teaspoon dill

Directions: Air pop popcorn into large bowl.  Over low-medium heat, melt butter and garlic in a small saucepan (or heat butter and garlic in microwave until melted).  Remove from heat and add lemon juice and dill to garlic butter.  Drizzle garlic butter over popcorn with a spoon and stir occasionally.  Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts: 122 Calories, 5g Fat, 17g Carbohydrate, 3g Protein, 34mg Sodium 81mg Potassium