Try Ghee Popcorn for a Healthful Twist on a Classic Favorite
Have you heard of ghee, the healthy cooking fat beloved for its high smoke point and lactose- and casein-free buttery flavor? We have been making the best ghee since 2015, using locally-sourced butter and preparing our ghee on the full moon to infuse each batch with auspicious vibes. One of our favorite uses for ghee is to use it to make ghee popcorn. It’s ready in minutes, and pairs well with a cozy winter evening on the couch, watching a movie or reading a favorite book. Keep reading for the recipe!
What Makes Ghee Perfect for Popcorn?
Ghee is clarified butter, simmered until the milk solids separate and begin to caramelize. The caramelization of the milk solids lends shelf-stable ghee its golden color and rich aroma. We think you’ll find it smells even better than the artificial “butter” pumped out at the movies. And when the milk solids are strained out of butter, you are left with pure butterfat that has a high smoke point, preventing burning and making for the perfect pot of stovetop popcorn.
Top Your Popcorn with Flavored Ghee
Our local independent cinema offers several shakers of seasonings to flavor your popcorn. You can try adding dry seasoning at home — and you can also try our specialty flavored ghees to take your ghee popcorn to the next level! In addition to our Original Ghee, we make Rosemary Garlic, Turmeric Spiced, Maple, and even Chocolate Ghee. Whether you prefer your popcorn savory or sweet, melt one of these ghees and pour on the flavor.
The Recipe: Ghee Popcorn
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Original Ghee
- ½ cup popcorn kernels
- Salt
Savory Toppings
- 2 tablespoons melted ghee – Original, Rosemary Garlic, or Turmeric Spiced
- 1-2 tablespoons dried herbs such as oregano, thyme, basil, or parsley
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons grated cheese or cheese powder
Sweet Toppings
- 2 tablespoons melted Chocolate or Maple Ghee
Steps
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt ghee over medium heat. When ghee is hot, add 2-3 popcorn kernels. When all the kernels have popped, add the rest of the kernels.
Cover the pot tightly and shake to coat the kernels with ghee. As kernels begin to pop, shake the pot occasionally, and open the lid slightly to allow steam to escape. Cook until popping slows to a pop every 2-3 seconds.
Pour popcorn into a large bowl and sprinkle with salt to taste. Add your additional toppings if using. For savory ghee popcorn, try Rosemary Garlic or Turmeric Spiced, and add dried herbs, nutritional yeast and/or cheese. For a sweet treat, try melting Maple or Chocolate ghee. Toss to evenly coat the popcorn with your chosen toppings. Kick back in front of your favorite show or movie, and enjoy!
