Sometimes you just want to munch on something. In times like these, it can be incredibly tempting to rip open a bag of chips or chomp down on some cookies that’ll definitely ruin all your efforts in eating healthier thus far.
Well, we have a solution that’s just as delicious! Popcorn!
Popcorn is a whole grain, packed with fibre and very low in calories if you make it at home yourself without all that sugar and butter. We’ve compiled 20 scrumptious popcorn recipes that’ll probably have even the most hardcore junkfood junkie eating out of your hands.
Here’s a quick recipe for making popcorn:
- Get some popcorn kernels.
- Stick them into a large microwave-safe bowl.
- Get a vented lid (to let the hot steam out, but not the popcorn).
- Microwave on high for a few minutes (usually 3-5 mins, but times vary) till pops slow down.
- Pile on your healthy seasonings and enjoy!
PS: Be careful about microwaving your kernels for too long as they could get burned.
Now onto the exciting part — the toppings, separated into “sweet” and “savoury” categories for your convenience!
SWEET
1. Cocoa Lovers Popcorn
This easy, healthy popcorn has just enough sweetened cocoa mix and coconut oil to add flavour without too many calories. A 2-cup portion of this lovely chocolate affair is only about 85 calories, which is equivalent to one chocolate chip cookie. Recipe here.
2. Clean Eating Caramel Popcorn
Substituting the traditional butter and sugar with almond butter and honey, this popcorn will satisfy your sweet tooth without adding to your waist line. Recipe here.
3. Honey Cinnamon Popcorn
This is for all you cinnamon sugar lovers out there. Great flavour, little calories. Recipe here.
4. Dark Chocolate Chipotle Popcorn
Sweet, savoury and spicy at the same time, this would probably cost a lot if sold in a gourmet popcorn store. Thankfully you can make it at home yourself with some chipotle chilli powder, dark chocolate and salt. Mmmm. Recipe here.
5. Cinnamon Maple Caramel Popcorn
Yet another gourmet popcorn you can make at home in just a few minutes. The popcorn is naturally sweetened with real maple syrup (instead of the nasty high fructose corn syrup), almond butter and cinnamon, then sprinkled with some toasted almond slices. This healthier take on the traditional caramel popcorn is truly a treat for the taste buds. Recipe here.
6. Vanilla Protein Popcorn
Flavoured with vanilla extract and vanilla protein powder, this popcorn doesn’t just taste like a crunchy dessert, it’s also very filling so you’ll eat less of the sinful stuff. Get recipe here.
7. Dark Chocolate Drizzled Popcorn
This is as easy as it gets. All you need to do is pop your corn kernels, melt the chocolate, and then drizzle away. Choose dark chocolate (more than 70% cocoa content preferred) for a healthy, yet luscious treat. Recipe here.
8. Honey Sea Salt Popcorn
Another sweet and savoury popcorn that you will never tire of! This recipe calls for butter (which isn’t bad, by the way!), and cooks the popcorn in a pan, but you can always microwave yours and substitute the butter with one tablespoon coconut oil if you like! It’ll taste just as good, trust us! Recipe here.
9. Peppermint Bark Popcorn with Toasted Coconut
Slightly more complicated than the other popcorn recipes, but if you’re into chocolate and mint combos, this is a definite winner. Recipe here.
10. Pumpkin Spice Popcorn
Ground cinnamon, cloves, ginger and nutmeg gives the popcorn the typical pumpkin pie flavour, which frankly, is to die for. Do substitute the white sugar with honey or brown sugar. Recipe here.
SAVOURY
11. Fiesta Taco Popcorn
Taco spiced popcorn? Yes please! This seasoning recipe uses coconut oil to grease the popcorn, before tossing it in homemade taco seasoning and finely grated parmesan cheese. Yum! Two entire cups of this lovely popcorn will only set you back about 100 calories. Recipe here.
12. Garlic Parmesan Popcorn
Add garlic and parmesan to anything and it instantly tastes great. It’s the same situation with popcorn. This recipe takes it up a notch with an addition of crushed dried rosemary, making it smell amazing! Recipe here.
13. Italian Herb Popcorn
Combining homemade Italian seasoning, garlic powder and parmesan cheese, this could almost pass as pizza. Almost. Recipe here.
14. Creamy Ranch Popcorn
This popcorn tastes beautifully creamy and rich, yet contains only 85 calories for every 2 cups you consume. The parsley, thyme, garlic powder and onion powder add depths of flavour, while the buttermilk powder makes it deliciously creamy. Recipe here.
15. Greek-Spiced Popcorn
Featuring dried ground lemon peel and dried dill, along with some onion powder and salt, this popcorn make an unusual yet tasty treat. Recipe here.
16. Curry Popcorn
Curry goes well with anything, yes, even popcorn. This recipe combines your favourite curry powder with garlic powder to make a bowlful of fragrant popcorn. Recipe here.
17. Wasabi Soy Sauce Popcorn
Sushi isn’t the only thing wasabi and soy sauce is for. It turns out that popcorn goes really well with this spicy and salty flavour too! If you enjoy a spicy kick while snacking, this is probably heaven-sent. Recipe here.
18. Buffalo Parmesan Popcorn
You can’t go wrong with cajun spices and cheese plus a good dash of hot sauce (Sriracha anyone?). Recipe here.
19. Spicy Togarashi Nori Popcorn
Yet another Japan-inspired popcorn topping that tastes oh-so-good. This seasoning features a staple in many Japanese restaurants — the chilli spice seasoning (called togarashi), crumbled dried seaweed, and toasted sesame seeds. Recipe here.
20. Chilli Lime Popcorn
Sour, spicy and savoury, this popcorn will definitely surprise your taste buds (in a good way, of course). Recipe here.
Happy munching!
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