Get ready to transform your ordinary movie night into a culinary adventure with this mind-blowing Chili Maple Gourmet Popcorn! Imagine a snack that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and crunchy in every single bite - this isn't just popcorn, it's a taste sensation that will have your taste buds dancing with excitement. Whether you're looking to impress guests, treat yourself to a gourmet snack, or simply elevate your snacking game, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Snack
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels, 1/4 cup of maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm for about 2 minutes.
- Once the oil is hot, add a few popcorn kernels to the pot. Cover with a lid and wait for them to pop. This will help you determine when the oil is ready.
- When the test kernels pop, remove them from the pot and add the remaining 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels. Cover the pot with the lid, leaving it slightly ajar to allow steam to escape.
- Shake the pot gently to ensure even heating of the kernels. Continue cooking for about 3-5 minutes, or until the popping slows to about 2 seconds between pops.
- Once popping is complete, remove the pot from the heat and carefully transfer the popcorn to a large mixing bowl.
- In a small saucepan, combine the maple syrup, chili powder, and salt over low heat. Stir the mixture for about 2-3 minutes until well combined and heated through.
- Pour the warm chili maple mixture over the popped popcorn in the mixing bowl. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently toss the popcorn, ensuring that all pieces are evenly coated.
- Once the popcorn is well coated, spread it out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will help it cool and allow the coating to set.
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Once preheated, place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even crisping.
- After 10 minutes, remove the popcorn from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. As it cools, it will become crispier.
- Once cooled, break apart any clumps and transfer the chili maple gourmet popcorn to a serving bowl. Enjoy your delicious snack!
Tips
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent burning and ensure even heat distribution when popping kernels.
- Listen carefully to the popping sounds - when there are about 2 seconds between pops, your popcorn is perfectly done.
- For extra crispiness, make sure to spread the popcorn in a single layer on the baking sheet when finishing in the oven.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the chili powder to 1-2 teaspoons instead of a full tablespoon.
- Store your gourmet popcorn in an airtight container to maintain its crispness for up to 2-3 days.
- For a more intense flavor, try using different types of chili powder like smoked or chipotle for unique taste variations.
- Always remove the popcorn from heat just before it burns to maintain that perfect golden color and prevent bitterness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
