I have tried many types of popcorn, and have stopped using microwavable popcorn many years ago. After trying many types, I found the smaller kernels taste the best and my favorite is the Wabash Valley Tender & White. For $29 you can have three six pound bags shipped to your door which will likely last you years.
Three secrets to cooking popcorn at home
- Proper Pot
- Coconut oil
- Flavacol
If you want to make popcorn at home that is as good as movie theaters you need a learn how to cook it on the stove and have a pot that allows you to properly stir the kernels during cooking.
Pot
The pot I use is also by Wabash Valley and has a metal pipe that sits at the bottom of the pan and stirs the kernels when the handle is spun. This makes sure all kernels heat evenly so you can cook popcorn in three minutes or so once it is heated and eliminate burnt and uncooked kernels.
Coconut Oil
This is also an important part of the process, but you want a good quality organic coconut oil. This can get expensive depending on where you get it. My favorite is Nutiva organic.
Coconut oil can also be used for stir frying and pan cooking chicken and other meats. It is solid below 72 degrees or so and turns liquid when exposed to around 72 degrees ambient temperature.
Flavacol
Flava what? This is the secret movie theaters won't tell you. It is a salt substitute that gives it the flavor you love in movie theaters. It comes in a carton and will last you ages. You use only 1/4 teaspoon (or less if you want healthier popcorn).
Grab these four ingredients, and I guarantee you will be impressed how good it comes out. It's healthy and delicious. It's also very quick. Not quite as fast as microwave because it takes a few minutes to heat up, but once heated it is as fast as microwave popcorn.
You can find everyone on Amazon for about $70 shipped, and you will have enough to make around 150 batches or more of popcorn. You will need more coconut oil, but you will have plenty of Flavacol and kernels. The pan will last you a long time if you don't over heat the stove.
All images are product shots from Amazon.