Easy Spicy Garlic Parmesan Popcorn

Name: Easy Spicy Garlic Parmesan Popcorn
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: in Enough popcorn kernels to cover bottom of potone layer (about 1/4 cup); in Enough vegetable/canola oil to cover bottom of potone thin layer (about 1-2 tbsp); 2 tbsp chili powder; 1 tbsp paprika; 1 tbsp garlic powder (1 tsp garlic salt also works); 2 tsp rosemary; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; 1-2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1/3-1/2 cup parmesan cheese

12/28/15

During the holidays and leading up to New Year's, I try to take as much time off as possible, but no matter what I usually end up in the kitchen cooking up a storm. Good thing for all of us lazy holidayers still on vacation, this Spicy Garlic Parmesan Popcorn is ridiculously easy and quick to make, and is the perfect treat after a long day of errrr…relaxing…

I love using spices to elevate my recipes in a way that is healthy and low calorie – take these Open Faced Naan Samosa Bites, for instance. You'd be surprised to realize what kind of flavour you can add with just a look inside your spice drawer. I highly encourage you to play with this recipe and add the spices you love. I could see this popcorn being especially delicious with curry powder and garam masala, or even with some dried oregano and a bit of lemon zest.

Popping corn is better for you than microwave popcorn, and takes less time than you think. You can of course be even lazier and just use microwave popcorn and add the spice mix, but popping corn on the stove is an experience! Since I'm still home for the holidays, my mom helped me with this one. Back when she grew up in the 1960s and 70s, there were no microwaves. On a Saturday night, her dad used to pop the kernels as a treat for her family, so this time it was her turn to take on the tradition. I just spiced it up a bit!

This special spice blend was more or less a last minute creation. I tend to love anything spicy, and my mom is obsessed with garlic, so I decided to combine the two flavour profiles and add in some parmesan cheese, which lends a natural saltiness to the popcorn. I also suggest using olive oil as a coating because it is better for you than butter, but it's really up to you to make this popcorn as healthy or as indulgent as you'd like.

Parmesan cheese just tops the whole thing right off and adds a very rich and comforting flavour to this popcorn. We've still got our holiday decorations and lights up, and everyone in my family has been enjoying all the leftover treats from the big Christmas day feast. There's something so comforting about coming home for the holidays, so why not drag out the good times as long as possible? Lucky for us this popcorn is the exception to belly-busting indulgence, with the same big flavours.

If you're not a big fan of spice, never fear! You can dial down the spice by adding less chili powder, or eliminating the cayenne pepper altogether. One of the things I like best about this recipe is that you can really just customize it to how you like it, and make your own spice blend according to your tastes. My dad is not a huge fan of rosemary, so his share had none. You get the idea…

Will you be trying this Easy Spicy Garlic Parmesan Popcorn recipe? If you do be sure to tag me on Instagram and Twitter – and I'd love to see what other quick and easy snacks are your favourites, I need tips for the New Year!

Easy Spicy Garlic Parmesan Popcorn: all you need is popping corn, olive oil and a special spice blend for a tasty, low-calorie treat!

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