Stovetop Popcorn with Nooch and Herbs
Last Updated on January 22, 2020 by Annie
This savory homemade, stovetop popcorn seasoned with nutritional yeast (nooch) and herbs makes the BEST healthy popcorn snack! No questioning what’s in your popcorn with this addictive and healthy popcorn recipe.
My first experience with Nutritional Yeast happened in college. One lazy early afternoon, while watching The Chew, Daphane Oz shared a recipe for homemade popcorn with nutritional yeast to mimc a cheesy flavor. My all-time favorite food happens to be popcorn, so this recipe intrigued me.
The first time I made a version of her recipe was in a microwaveable bowl where you pour the kernels in and pop without oil. The seasoning failed to stick to the popcorn pieces and needless to say, tasted bland.
Trying to make the popcorn with a brown paper bag in the microwave, again no oil, I found the popcorn to pop beautifully. But again, the seasoning would not stick.
Next, I tried spraying olive oil onto the popcorn while tossing the seasoning. This method, while slightly more effective, made a bit of a mess and I could never quite know how much oil I was spraying onto the popcorn pieces.
Finally, when I tried my hand at stovetop popcorn, I found the right balance between oil and popcorn to get the delicious nooch seasoning to stick!
What is Nutritional Yeast?
Nutritional yeast, also referred to as Nooch, is a deactivated yeast with a nutty and cheesy like flavor. These yellow flakes make a wonderful cheese flavor for pasta sauces and popcorn! Most commonly used by vegans and vegetarians, nooch can be found at just about any grocery or natural foods stores.
How to make stovetop popcorn
While microwaving popcorn in a brown paper bag does pop your popcorn, the best way to make popcorn for dry seasoning to stick is on the stovetop.
To make stovetop popcorn, heat 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in a deep pot with three kernels of popcorn. Cover the pot and wait for the kernels to pop.
Once the kernels have popped, the oil is hot enough for your kernels. Pour 1/4 cup of popcorn kernels into the pot with 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. Cover the pot and let the good times start poppin!
While the popcorn kernels pop, shake the pot occasionally to keep the kernels from sticking to the bottom or burning. Allow the popcorn to cook until there are no more than 3 seconds between the pops.
Remove the pot from heat and transfer the popcorn to a bowl where you can season as desired.
Pro Tip for getting Nooch and Herbs Seasoning to stick
Move about a cup of popcorn at a time into your serving bowl, sprinkle with 1/2 tablespoon of nooch and herb seasoning. Then transfer another cup, sprinkle with and additional 1/2 tablespoon of seasoning. Repeat until all popcorn has been sprinkled with the nooch and herbs.
Coconut Oil
Did you know the delicious popcorn you chow down on at the movie theater popped to perfection in coconut oil? While canola oil and olive oil both work to make homemade stovetop popcorn, coconut oil is the best at keeping the kernels just oily enough for the nutritional yeast seasoning to stick.
Other deliciously dairy free snacks
Texas Trash– This addictively salty and savory snack makes the perfect food to munch on during any game night or movie.
Deviled Eggs– These protein packed, low carb orbs of deliciousness are too good not to snack on!
Chocolate Chunk Cookies– I don’t know what it is about salty popcorn that makes me crave a sweet chocolate chunk cookie.
Did you make this delicious nooch popcorn? Share your creation on Instagram by tagging @mylifeafterdairy so I can share your life after dairy adventures!
Looking for some more snacking inspiration? Check out my Pinterest Snack Board where I share tons of delicious dairy free snacks perfect for any day occasion!
Stovetop Popcorn with Nooch and Herbs
Indulge in a guilt free, stovetop popcorn with nooch and herbs seasoning. This low calorie snack makes the perfect addition to any movie night.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp Coconut Oil melted
- ¼ c. Popcorn Kernels
- ½ tsp. Salt kosher
Nooch and Herbs Seasoning
- 2 Tbsp Nutritional Yeast
- ½ tsp. Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp. Dill
Instructions
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In a deep pot with a lid, heat 2 Tbsp. coconut oil with 3 popcorn kernels on medium-high heat covered.
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Wait until the 3 kernels have popped, then pour in remaining ¼ cup of kernels with ½ tsp salt. Cover and cook until popping slows to about 3 seconds between pops.
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Meanwhile, mix together nutritional yeast, dill, and garlic powder in a small bowl.
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Remove from heat and pour about 1 cup of popped popcorn into a large bowl. Sprinkle the popcorn with ½ Tbsp of the seasoning. Repeat until all popcorn has been added to the bowl and sprinkled with seasoning.
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Serve immediately or allow to cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
Recipe Notes
Popcorn can store in an airtight container for 3 days.Â