I love, love, love popcorn. But, I hate all the chemicals and trans fat that most conventional microwave popcorn has. There is some seriously scary stuff out there about microwave popcorn and I would just rather not risk it. Fortunately, there is a super easy, super eco-friendly way to make microwave popcorn without all the chemicals and weird, fake butter. All you need is a coffee mug and some popcorn kernels.
I had a roommate in college who, as far as I could tell, subsisted almost solely on microwave popcorn. She would save all the un-popped kernels from each bag and when she had eaten all the popped corn she would roll the popcorn bag back up and microwave it again to pop all of her leftover kernels. And that was the first I learned about paper bag popcorn.
Since then I have seen various interpretations of the paper bag popcorn- adding kernels to a paper bag and microwaving to pop. I have never had too much success with this method, I tend to burn all my paper bag popcorn. Plus, I don’t know that I am gaining much as far as the “eco-friendly” factor, I am still trashing that paper bag after I am done with it.
I have had far more consistent results by using a coffee mug covered with a plate to keep the steam in, plus I am not as reliant on paper bags which seem to only come in packs of 200. This method has worked very well for us as we have been traveling and it only takes a few minutes. Popcorn kernels seem to be readily available everywhere we have been and are always extremely cheap. Popcorn is an excellent snack, its a whole grain that is low in calories and high in fiber.
Stove top popcorn is another great option, but you have to be careful about the amount of oil you use to prevent the popcorn from sticking to the pan. I like this method because it doesn’t add any oil. Once it is done, you are in charge of your own destiny and can add your own salt and oil if you choose. This is a great way to make a single serving of popcorn!
Single Serve Popcorn
What you’ll need
- 1 Tbsp of Popcorn kernels (just enough to cover the bottom of the coffee mug)
- 1 coffee mug
- Microwave safe plate
Instructions
- Pour the kernels into the coffee mug.
- Top with the plate and microwave on high for about 1 minute, 45 seconds- 2 minutes, 30 seconds or when the popping slows to one pop every 2-3 seconds. Microwaves vary in cooking times, so be sure and listen closely the first time you try this.
- Very, very carefully remove the plate, being careful to avoid the steam.
- Season with your favorite popcorn seasonings (I like a pinch of salt and chili powder) and enjoy!
Notes
I have never had a lot of success with the paper bag method, but that doesn’t mean that I have not tried it a hundred different times. I have read so many different theories about how to do it from preheating the microwave to keeping kernels in the freezer. I have explored several of those theories with this recipe and I have not noticed a difference in quality, just cooking times.
