Homemade Popcorn 2 Ways:

I love popcorn! I love popcorn! I cannot stress that enough. My earliest memory of eating popcorn, I remember almost every weekend we would go to our cousin's place in Lucky Summer. They always cooked popcorn and served on a large tray with tea. We would all, kids, gather around and enjoy the snack. And so it has always been that we eat our popcorn with tea. Which some guys find it strange but it's the way we love it. Flavoured popcorn came along but we still stick to the authentic plain popcorn. Today I decided to try 2 new popcorn flavours and I must say I am loving the taste of butter and turmeric popcorn! Whats your favourite popcorn flavour? I have the video of the whole process of making these two popcorn flavour. Check it out below and SUBSCRIBE if you have not, like and leave a comment!

INGREDIENTS

2 Cups Popcorn
2 Tablespoons Butter
Salt to taste
1 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Turmeric
2 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil

METHOD

For Turmeric Popcorn

Add vegetable oil in pan. Add Turmeric and stir few minutes. Add in the popcorn kernels. Immediately one corn pops, cover and cook until all corn has popped. Add popcorn to bowl, sprinkle salt before serving

For Butter Popcorn

Add butter to pan and allow to melt. Add 1 tablespoon oil and salt, stir to mix. Add popcorn kernels, soon as one pops cover and cook until all kernels have popped

Serve immediately as snack or with a drink

HOMEMADE POPCORN 2 WAYS

Recipe by Mulunga Alukwe

Prep time: 05 Minutes
Cook time: 03 Minutes
Total time: 8 Minutes
Yield: 6 Servings
Ingredients

• 2 Cups Popcorn kernels
• 2 Tablespoons Butter
• 1 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Turmeric
• 2 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil

Cooking Directions

1. For Turmeric Popcorn
2. Add vegetable oil in pan. Add Turmeric and stir few minutes. Add in the popcorn kernels. Immediately one corn pops, cover and cook until all corn has popped. Add popcorn to bowl, sprinkle salt before serving
3. For Butter Popcorn
4. Add butter to pan and allow to melt. Add 1 tablespoon oil and salt, stir to mix. Add popcorn kernels, soon as one pops cover and cook until all kernels have popped
5. Serve immediately as snack or with a drink

Homemade Popcorn

Simple, budget-friendly, and fun to make—this classic snack is crunchy, customizable, and perfect for movie nights, school lunches, or guilt-free munching.

FAQs

Is homemade popcorn healthier than store-bought or microwave versions?
Yes! Homemade popcorn gives you full control over oil, salt, and toppings. Store-bought or microwave popcorn often contains additives, preservatives, or artificial butter flavorings and can be much higher in sodium and trans fats.

What kind of corn is used to make popcorn?
Only a special variety called Zea mays everta pops. It has a hard outer shell and starchy interior that builds pressure when heated.

What’s the best oil for popping popcorn?
Neutral oils with a high smoke point like coconut oil, avocado oil, or canola oil work best. For a richer flavor, some people use ghee or clarified butter.

Can I make popcorn without oil?
Yes, you can air-pop popcorn using an air popper or even in a microwave using a paper bag. It reduces fat content significantly.

How can I flavor popcorn?
Once popped, try tossing it with nutritional yeast, cinnamon and sugar, chili powder, cheese powder, garlic salt, or even melted dark chocolate. For a healthier version, try olive oil and herbs.

Why does popcorn sometimes burn or not pop fully?
Using too much heat or poor-quality kernels can cause burning or under-popping. Always use fresh kernels and shake the pot frequently to avoid burning.

Can I store homemade popcorn?
Yes. Once cooled, store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Avoid adding wet toppings like butter before storing.

Printable Nutrition Card (Per 1-cup popped, plain)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	~30 kcal	Increases with added oil or toppings
Protein	~1 g	Whole grain source
Carbohydrates	~6 g	Mostly from natural starch
Fiber	~1.2 g	High-fiber snack
Fat	~0.3 g	Without oil; increases with added fat
Sodium	0 mg	Unless salt is added
Sugar	0 g	Unless sweetened
Iron	~0.3 mg	Modest amount from whole grain
Magnesium	~10 mg	Great for heart and muscle function

Notes:

• Whole grain and naturally gluten-free
• Air-popped is lowest in calories and fat
• Season to taste after popping
• For a sweeter version, try maple-cinnamon or cocoa dust

Dietary Information Table

Diet Type	Status	Notes
Gluten-Free	✅ Yes	Naturally gluten-free grain
Dairy-Free	✅ Yes	Unless butter or cheese is added
Nut-Free	✅ Yes	Naturally nut-free
Egg-Free	✅ Yes	100% egg-free
Vegetarian	✅ Yes	Naturally plant-based
Vegan	✅ Yes	Ensure no dairy-based toppings
Low-Carb/Keto	❌ No	Contains natural starch; not keto-friendly
High-Fiber	✅ Yes	Great source of dietary fiber
Low-Sodium	✅ Yes	As long as salt is not added
Diabetic-Friendly	⚠️ In moderation	Low GI but portion control is advised

Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used. For precise nutritional information, consider using a nutrition calculator with exact ingredient measurements.

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