The beginning of a new year marks the annual pledge many of us make for healthier eating habits after the long gluttonous run from Halloween thru New Year’s day. With the heft of the holidays weighing in both body and mind comes the desire for clean, simple, lighter eating. Cue popcorn.
Popcorn is a simple yet satisfying whole grain. By itself, popcorn is delicious and unfussy. Popcorn is naturally low in fat and calories, which makes it a great choice when trying to lose holiday weight. The fiber in popcorn makes you feel fuller longer, which helps curb hunger. Eating a little more here means you’ll eat a little less there.
Yet health and wellness-minded consumers today look for added nutrients to boost the system. Why eat only whole grains when you can sprinkle on protein and antioxidants? Powders, herbs, ground roots, seeds, and spices like turmeric, matcha, maca, and chia can make your snacks more nutrient rich. And while there’s no substitute for a balanced diet, pairing these on-trend ingredients with whole grain popcorn is a natural.
The following recipes are courtesy of the Popcorn Board (www.popcorn.org)
Maca Almond Popcorn Bars
Love almonds? Then you’ll love the taste of these chewy, yummy popcorn bars that boast whole grain, fiber, protein, and an extra nutrient kick from Maca root.
Makes: 16 bars
Ingredients:
8 cups unsalted, unbuttered popped popcorn
3/4 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup flaked oats
1/3 cup almond butter
1/3 cup brown rice syrup
3 tbsp honey
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp maca root powder
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Place popcorn in large mixing bowl.
2. Spread almonds and oats on baking sheet; bake for about 5 minutes or until lightly browned and toasted. Let cool completely; add to bowl with popcorn.
Coconut Crunch Chia Clusters
If you’re a coconut lover, this recipe will deliver the goods, along with the crunch and nutrient punch from omega-3 filled chia seeds.
Makes: 8 cups
Ingredients:
8 cups unsalted, unbuttered popped popcorn
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup butter
3 tbsp honey
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup coconut flakes
3 tbsp chia seeds
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Line large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Place popcorn in large mixing bowl.
2. In small saucepan set over medium heat, combine sugar, butter, honey and salt; bring to light boil, stirring often, until melted.
3. Pour sugar mixture over popcorn. Add coconut flakes and chia seeds; toss gently to combine.
4. Spread mixture on prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 30 minutes or until popcorn is lightly toasted. Let cool completely; break into clusters for serving.
Honey Matcha Popcorn
Enjoy the simplicity of whole grain popcorn with a sprinkling of antioxidant-rich matcha (green tea) and just a touch of honey.
Makes: 4 servings
Ingredients:
12 cups unsalted, unbuttered popped popcorn
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup honey
1 tsp matcha green tea powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp black sesame seeds
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F. Line large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Place popcorn in large mixing bowl.
2. In small saucepan set over medium heat, melt together butter, honey, matcha and salt, stirring until dissolved. Pour over popcorn; toss to combine. Spread onto baking sheet. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
3. Bake, stirring occasionally, for 25 to 30 minutes or until popcorn is dry. Let cool completely before serving.
Ginger Turmeric Popcorn
This slightly sweet but savory popcorn snack will tickle your taste buds with subtly exotic flavors – perfect for sharing and delighting friends.
Makes: 12 cups
Ingredients:
8 cups unsalted, unbuttered popped popcorn
1/4 cup light olive oil
2 tbsp honey
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp grated lemon zest
1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground turmeric
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 300° F. Line large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil coated with cooking spray. Spread popcorn onto prepared baking sheet.
2. In small saucepan set over medium heat, heat olive oil, honey and salt; stir in lemon zest, ginger and turmeric. Pour over popcorn and toss gently to coat evenly.
3. Bake for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until popcorn is dry and crisp. Let cool completely before serving.
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