SMOKY SPICED POPCORN
Smoky Spiced Popcorn is a light and flavourful snack that’s perfect for satisfying your cravings without compromising on health. Using just three simple ingredients: air-popped popcorn, a touch of olive oil and smoky paprika, this recipe transforms a humble bowl of popcorn into a gourmet treat that’s bursting with bold and savoury flavour. Ideal for movie nights, parties or a mid-afternoon snack, this popcorn is vegan, gluten-free and low in fat, making it a versatile addition to any healthy eating plan. Its smoky and slightly spicy profile offers a delightful twist on the classic snack, ensuring it’s loved by kids and adults alike. With minimal preparation time and maximum flavour, Smoky Spiced Popcorn is the perfect go-to recipe for snack lovers seeking a healthier option that doesn’t sacrifice taste.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Snack
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
American
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
No-Cook, 5 Ingredients or Less
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Movie Night, Picnic, Casual Dinner, Party, Super Bowl, Family Reunion, Back to School
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Vegan, Healthy, High Fibre, Quick & Easy, Low Fat, Low/No Sugar, Wheat / Gluten-Free, Kid-Friendly
DISH TYPE
Edible Gifts
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups air-popped popcorn
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 121.4 kcal
- Fat: 9.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.4 g
- Carbohydrate: 9.6 g
- Sugar: 0.1 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Fiber: 1.8 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Calcium: 3 mg
- Iron: 0.6 mg
- Potassium: 49.2 mg
PREPARATION
These steps are followed for the preparation of Smoky Spiced Popcorn:
- Pop the Popcorn: Use an air popper or stovetop method to pop the popcorn until it’s light and fluffy.
- Prepare Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix the olive oil and smoked paprika until well combined.
- Combine: Transfer the popped popcorn to a large mixing bowl.
- Add Oil Mixture: Drizzle the seasoned oil over the popcorn while gently tossing to coat evenly.
- Finish: Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt, if desired. Toss again and enjoy warm.
PREP TIME
5 minutes
COOKING TIME
5 minutes
TIPS
Here are some helpful tips for Smoky Spiced Popcorn:
- Even Coating: Toss the popcorn continuously while adding the oil mixture to ensure every piece is coated.
- Healthier Option: Use a spritzer to spray olive oil for a lightly seasoned snack.
- Storage Tip: Allow popcorn to cool completely before storing to maintain crispness.
- Experiment: Try different smoked paprika varieties, such as hot or sweet, to customise the flavour.
VARIATIONS
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chilli powder for extra heat.
- Herb Infusion: Sprinkle with dried rosemary or thyme for a herby twist.
- Cheesy: Add nutritional yeast for a vegan cheesy flavour.
- Sweet Touch: Swap smoked paprika for cinnamon and drizzle with a small amount of maple syrup for a lovely variation.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Refrigeration: Freezing is not recommended, as it can cause the popcorn to become soggy.
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the seasoning oil in advance and store it in a sealed container for future use.
- Portion Control: Divide into snack bags for grab-and-go convenience.