How to make popcorn
There are many ways to pop popcorn, but we think this one returns the least number of unpopped kernels and the best flavour.
The crunchy caramel-coated popcorn will keep for a day or two in an airtight container.
Ingredients
- 1½ tbsp vegetable oil
- 100²µ/3½´Ç³ú popcorn kernels
- 50²µ/1¾´Ç³ú butter, melted (optional)
- pinch salt (optional)
- 1 tbsp icing sugar (optional)
- pinch ground cinnamon (optional)
For the caramel coating (optional)
- 40²µ/1½´Ç³ú butter
- 90²µ/3¼´Ç³ú golden syrup
- 50²µ/1¾´Ç³ú light brown sugar
- 80²µ/2¾´Ç³ú caster sugar
- 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
- handful flaked almonds or peanuts (optional)
Method
Add the oil to a deep, lidded pan and swirl around so that it coats the base. Add the popcorn and spread out in an even layer (you may want to use a little more or less popcorn, so it just covers the base of the pan). Put the pan over a medium–high heat until the first kernels begin to pop, shaking the pan from time to time to turn the kernels over.
When the popping starts, put the lid on, leaving a crack open for steam to escape. Cook for about 1 minute, or until the popping stops. Immediately tip the popcorn into a large bowl or a large roasting tray. Add the melted butter and salt, or icing sugar and cinnamon and stir to coat to your liking.
To make the caramel coating (if using), preheat the oven to 170C/150C Fan/Gas 5 and line a large roasting tray with baking paper. Put the freshly made popcorn into the tray.
Put all the caramel coating ingredients, except the bicarbonate of soda and nuts, in a saucepan over a medium heat, stirring until the sugar has melted. Bring the mixture to a steady simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is slightly darker.
Turn off the heat. Working quickly, stir in the bicarbonate of soda until the caramel has puffed up. Immediately spoon over the hot popcorn and mix it through. (CAUTION: Caramel is extremely hot. Do not let it touch your skin or handle the hot coated popcorn.) Sprinkle with salt, if you like.
Bake the popcorn for 10 minutes and then give it a stir. At this point you could add the flaked almonds or peanuts. Return to the oven for another 10 minutes.
Carefully slide the baking paper out of the roasting tray and spread the popcorn out to cool completely. Store in an airtight tin.
Recipe Tips
You could leave the popcorn plain for kids or dress simply with some butter or icing sugar. The crunchy caramel coating takes it to another level.
When making the caramel coated popcorn, to clean your pan, pour in some boiling water. Return the pan to the hob or oven, if needed, to dissolve the caramel.