Junk Food Makeover: Popcorn
Probiotic and savory popcorn. (Photo: Stocksy)
While popcorn might seem like an innocent snack to you, it could really be a junk food that is bad for your body. Most commercial brands of popcorn use genetically modified kernels and heat the kernels in an oil that becomes unstable. This can cause free radicals that cause oxidative stress in your body, which can leave you feeling less than beautiful. This week’s makeover uses coconut oil which can be heated to high degrees without becoming unstable. We dehydrated kimchi and turned it into a powder for seasoning. Kimchi is a natural probiotic and a great way to keep your gut healthy.
1 small jar kimchi
3 tablespoons coconut oil
1/3 cup organic or heirloom popcorn kernels
Sea salt to taste
Yields: 4 Servings
Preheat oven to its lowest setting. Strain jar of kimchi. Spread kimchi evenly out onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Place in oven with door slightly open. New ovens often come with a magnet to prop door open to give oven the ability to dehydrate. Let dry overnight or until kimchi is completely dried out. Place in blender or spice grinder and pulverize into a powder. Set aside.
In a three-quart pot, heat coconut oil, popcorn kernels and salt over medium heat. Allow kernels to pop. Remove from heat and sprinkle immediately with kimchi powder.
Recipe: Yancy Gandionco
Tricia Williams is a chef and nutrition educator and founder of Food Matters NYC, a customized meal delivery service in Manhattan.
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