Salted Caramel Popcorn Recipe
If you’re in the mood for a sweet and savory snack that combines crunchy popcorn with rich, buttery caramel, this salted caramel popcorn recipe is the perfect treat to satisfy your cravings. Ideal for a cozy evening with a cup of espresso, this indulgent snack is surprisingly easy to make at home. The caramel coating provides just the right balance of sweetness with a hint of salt, making it the perfect companion to your favorite hot beverage. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious snack!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Vegetable Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Sweet Corn (dried kernels for popcorn) | 1/3 cup |
| Butter | 5 tablespoons |
| Corn Syrup | 1/4 cup |
| Granulated Sugar | 1 cup |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Baking Soda | 1/4 teaspoon |
Preparation & Cooking Time
| Time | Duration |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
Serving Information
| Servings | 4 servings |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Indian |
| Course | Snack |
| Diet | Vegetarian |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Popcorn:
- In a pressure cooker or large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the dried popcorn kernels.
- Cover the cooker with the lid (do not close it completely, just cover it). Shake the pot occasionally to ensure the kernels pop evenly.
- Once the popcorn has popped, remove it from the cooker and set it aside in a large bowl. Make sure no unpopped kernels remain.
-
-
Make the Caramel Sauce:
- In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Once the butter has melted, add the corn syrup and sugar to the pan. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a gentle boil.
- Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the caramel sauce thickens slightly and changes to a golden-brown color.
-
Add Flavoring:
- Remove the caramel sauce from the heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract, salt, and baking soda. The baking soda will cause the caramel to bubble up, so be cautious.
- Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
-
Combine Popcorn and Caramel:
- Pour the hot caramel sauce over the freshly popped popcorn in the large bowl. Stir gently but thoroughly, ensuring that each piece of popcorn is coated with the sticky caramel sauce.
-
Cool the Popcorn:
- Spread the caramel-coated popcorn evenly on a large baking sheet or plate. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature, as this will help the caramel set and harden.
-
Serve:
- Once cooled, break the popcorn into pieces and serve. This salted caramel popcorn is perfect for evening snacking with a cup of espresso or any other beverage of your choice.
Additional Tips:
- Storage: Store any leftover salted caramel popcorn in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 3 days.
- Make It Extra Crunchy: If you prefer a crispier texture, you can bake the caramel-coated popcorn in a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) for about 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.
- Flavor Variations: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of cocoa powder to the caramel mixture for a different twist on the flavor!
This Salted Caramel Popcorn recipe combines the satisfying crunch of popcorn with the indulgent sweetness of caramel and just the right touch of salt for a snack that’s truly irresistible. Whether you’re preparing for a cozy movie night or an afternoon coffee break, this easy-to-make treat is bound to be a hit. Enjoy!
