Homemade Indian Spicy Popcorn

Homemade Indian Spicy Popcorn

This is an old time recipe that I have learnt from my mother and she had been following this stove top old fashioned way of popping kernels for almost 15 years now.

Air-popped popcorn is naturally high in fiber, low in calories and fat, contains no sodium, and is sugar free. This can make it an attractive snack to people with dietary restrictions on the intake of calories, fat, and/or sodium.

A note about the buttered popcorn available at the stores; it is not real butter but it is just flavored butter. What is shocking is that this is offered to kids at school on the pretext that it is low fat and also a healthy choice.

Ingredients:

• ½ small cup popcorn kernels
•  3-4 teaspoons oil ( I use canola oil)
• Salt
• Pepper powder
• Turmeric(a pinch)

Note:

• Use a good quality, heavy bottom Kadhai/karahi/Wok for making this. If the base is not thick then kernels will begin to burn at the bottom.
•  Try with lesser quantity of kernels if making for the first time.
•  Have a lid handy that will completely cover the wok, when the kernels begin to pop.
•  Please exercise caution when handling popping kernels with open lid, as it splutters oil. 
• Method:
  
•  Please read the note carefully (above) before proceeding.
• Take a heavy bottom pan/Kadhai and heat the oil on medium high heat.

(Kadhai/Wok with a lid that I use for making popcorn)

•  Temperature test: Drop 2-3 popcorn kernels and wait until they pop up. Once they pop, this means that the oil has reached the correct temperature.
•  Note: Please stand back, when the kernels pop as they tend to splutter the oil along with the popped kernel.
•  Now add the remaining kernels, mix it so that it forms a flat layer and cover it with a lid. Covering with a lid is an important step otherwise the kernels will fall all over the place when they pop.
•  Give the kadhai/wok a slight shake about 2 times to prevent the kernels from sticking to the bottom.
•  After a minute or two, you will begin to hear the sound of the kernels being popped one by one and they sound like fireworks! Resist the urge to remove the lid as the kernels might pop out and it could be little dangerous.
•  Let the popping continue. The moment the sound of the popping dies down, switch off the heat and remove the lid. 
•  If seeing this for the first time, it is really an amazing sight! You will see the kernels popped up like delicate flowers. (There could be some kernels on the bottom that have not popped).
•  Sprinkle salt over this just when it is hot and stir it with a wooden ladle. Be cautious as the pan/kadhai is very hot.
•  Set aside and allow to cool and then transfer to paper/plastic bag. Store it in airtight container/bag for future use.

Homemade Indian Spicy Popcorn