How to make popcorn at home

Popcorn can be safely attributed to the number of favorite treats of most people. Crispy opened corn grains occupy your hands while watching TV, give extra comfort to moviegoers, and soothe restless kids. Therefore, many are interested in the question of how exactly treats are prepared at home. After all, one does not always want to stuff the body with store products, it is easier to make a snack yourself. Let's look at the main aspects regarding this.

Composition and features of popcorn

1. Many mistakenly attribute popcorn to high-calorie snacks, but this is far from the case. For a fried portion weighing 100 g. (!) accounts for only 298 kcal. How much popcorn needs to be eaten to get this number of calories ?!
2. Another thing is the carbohydrates, which occupy most of the fried corn grain. Natural saccharides in combination with starch are quickly absorbed, but only for a short time they retain a feeling of satiety. It is for this reason that popcorn is not suitable for dieters (and not because it has "high calorie content").
3. The composition also contains proteins and fats in small quantities. It is worth remembering that wild corn is less rich in carbohydrates than cultivated. Therefore, if possible, give preference to her.
4. The nutritional value of the ears is high. Iron is present in corn grain, which is required to improve blood composition and prevent anemia. Popcorn is also rich in magnesium, potassium, zinc, copper.
5. A special place is given to dietary fiber, in particular fiber. It occupies its 14% of the total volume of grains. This means that the use of popcorn will have a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract.
6. If we are talking about homemade popcorn made without unnecessary sweeteners, this appetizer is suitable for proper nutrition and diets. You can sometimes indulge in popcorn as a dessert by mixing fried grains with granulated sugar.
7. To make the treat even tastier, the grains are fried in butter. During cooking, cookware must be covered so that popcorn does not shoot. To obtain uniform heating, periodically shake the container with the contents.
8. Always remember one geometric truth - the more oil you put, the higher the energy value of the dish. Wild corn is better suited for frying, it is dense and balanced in composition.

The subtleties of making popcorn

1. Any cookware capable of withstanding high temperatures will do for roasting. In most cases, it is convenient to cook a snack in a deep skillet.
2. To begin with, you should heat the container, pour a little corn or olive oil into it (sunflower oil emits carcinogens), pour a couple of pinch of salt or granulated sugar. After all the manipulations, grains are sent inside.
3. Frying is carried out exclusively at low power stoves. And when the grains begin to crackle, the container should be covered. One serving will take 10 minutes.
4. Experienced housewives got the hang of cooking a snack using a slow cooker. To do this, pour a little oil into the bowl, heat, salt and fry the grains in the above form.
5. Not without the participation of the microwave, it is also easy to make popcorn in it. To do this, arm yourself with a container, pour grains into it and pour oil on it. Put in the oven for 2 minutes, shake the contents every 30 seconds.
6. If there is a cauldron, you can use it. The main negative quality of this method is the duration of the preparation.Similarly to the method with a frying pan, heat oil in a cauldron, sprinkle with salt, send the grains inside. Fry until all the corn is revealed.

The benefits and harms of popcorn

1. Opinions of popcorn lovers differ greatly in terms of the benefits of the product. Some Hollywood stars claim that the composition helped them to return to their previous shape after some events in life.
2. Modern nutritionists adhere to the theory that fried corn has a low calorie content and high nutritional values. It is important to understand that we are talking specifically about the home cooking method.
3. This kind of product has a high fiber content. Dietary fiber has a positive effect on the activity of the digestive tract. Popcorn is considered an excellent prophylactic against stomach cancer and cardiovascular pathologies.
4. Before you start cooking and consuming, it is important to know a few facts. Ready popcorn in its original form does not cause any harm to the body. Negative effects on organs are due to additional components.
5. On an industrial scale and public institutions, corn is prepared with the addition of diacyl flavoring. The chemical adversely affects the respiratory organs and provokes the development of an allergic reaction. Also, the grain in the fields is covered with chemicals from various pests.
6. It is strongly not recommended to eat popcorn on an empty stomach or in large quantities. Overuse of the product leads to problems with the gastrointestinal tract and worsen the condition with varicose veins. In any case, it is not recommended to eat popcorn more than once a week.

Popcorn Technology

1. Do not assume that delicious popcorn cannot be cooked on its own. To make popcorn according to all the rules, you will need a high saucepan with a lid.
2. During cooking, you need to take 60 gr. butter per 100 gr. raw materials. Various seasonings are added to taste. Grains are poured at once into a hot pan. Do not forget to cover the container.
3. Keep in mind that the process of making popcorn is carried out exclusively on low heat. Shake the container periodically.
4. This procedure allows the corn to soak in oil. Wait 2-3 minutes after the grains cease to explode. Then you can start cooking the next portion.

Caramel popcorn

1. Popcorn lovers are divided into two types, someone prefers a sweet treat to salty. The question is how to make caramel popcorn so that it melts in your mouth. The procedure will require a small cauldron.
2. In this case, 60 gr. corn accounts for 120 grams. oil, 50 ml. water, 8 gr. soda and 240 gr. granulated sugar. To enhance the taste, add a little lemon juice.
3. You need to cook popcorn according to the classical scheme described above, with the lid closed. To make caramel, you will need additional containers. Combine water and sugar in a saucepan. Boil the ingredients until a sticky paste forms.
4. After cooking, you must immediately add soda and lemon juice. During the reaction, caramel begins to form a foam, which must be mixed with ready-made popcorn. Wait for the treats to cool.

Before you start frying popcorn, it is important to thoroughly dry the corn kernels. Some foodies insist that raw materials must be kept for several hours in the freezer. In this case, the pressure inside the grains increases markedly during frying.

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