Spicy Hemp Popcorn
I would not actually recommend eating this popcorn while working on a puzzle, it’s too messy and delicious.
This one goes out to my vegan friends! People who are following a vegan diet often have a hard time meeting their needs for vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein. This snack packs a punch with 12 grams of heart-healthy and anti-inflammatory omegas 3 and 6 fatty acids from hemp hearts, and 640% of the daily value for vitamin B12 from savory and cheesy nutritional yeast. And with a whopping 18 grams of protein per serving, you might not be hungry for dinner after this hearty whole grain snack!
This recipe makes one generous serving and can be doubled to serve more. I like to use chili powder, but you could use smoked paprika, garlic powder, Aleppo pepper, or Italian seasoning, whatever flavors you like!
Spicy Hemp Popcorn
Yield: 1 serving
Time: 5 minutes
3 tablespoons hemp hearts
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
2 teaspoons chili powder
¼ cup unpopped popcorn kernels
3 ½ tablespoons olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Combine hemp hearts, nutritional yeast, and chili powder in a small bowl, stir to combine.
In a large stockpot with a lid, add 1 ½ tablespoons of olive oil and popcorn kernels and set to medium heat. Stir kernels to coat with oil and continue to stir until kernels begin to sizzle. Place the lid on the pot and resist the urge to peek, the buildup of steam is important! Once you hear kernels begin to pop, shake the pot occasionally. You should hear regular popping for 1-3 minutes.
Once popping begins to slow, remove pot from heat and pour popcorn into a tray or bowl large enough to toss and mix. Immediately, while popcorn is still hot, drizzle remaining oil and sprinkle seasoning over popcorn. Stir popcorn and add salt and pepper to taste.