| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 428 | 21g | 5.4g | 58g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 25g | 5g | 5g | 0.4g |
Of all the dazzling and delicious fares I experiment with in the heart of my West Coast kitchen, there’s one recipe that seizes the spotlight on my list every time – the Aonori Popcorn. This delightful veggie-based creation is layered with the wholesome attributes of a traditional healthy salad but envelops the playful spirit of an American classic comfort snack.
Fusion of Flavors
This recipe harmoniously merges the aroma of aonori (dried green seaweed) with sweet undertones of honey and a rainbow of dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, and apricots. Each bite you take of the Aonori Popcorn offers a palate pleasing burst of flavors. It’s distinctively similar to the delightful experience of tasting Furikake Popcorn or spicy Kettle Corn, yet unique in its own right.
Health Conscious and Comforting
Not only is this dish an adventure for your taste buds, but it’s also brimming with nutritional benefits. The aonori, with origins in the Japanese cuisine, is a rich source of minerals, vitamins, and dietary fibers. The dried fruits kick in with antioxidants, while the honey serves up natural sugars. The balance is brilliant – a health-centric concoction that does not compromise on comfort or flavor.
I can’t stress enough the versatility of this dish. The Aonori Popcorn works splendidly as a stand-alone snack during a late-night movie or as an irresistible accompaniment to your favorite Chardonnay-Braised Chicken Thighs with Crispy Basil. Its sweet and salty profile fits right into any dining affair, formal or relaxed.
With every recipe I create, my aim is to stir the pot of traditional comfort food and increase its health value, all while retaining the soulful heartiness we all love. The Aonori Popcorn is the embodiment of this culinary philosophy, merging the love for crisp popcorn with the wellness hallmarks of California dining.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup of popcorn kernels
- 3 tablespoons of canola oil
- 2 tablespoons of aonori (dried green seaweed)
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup of honey
- 1 teaspoon of sea salt
- 1 cup of assorted dried fruits (like cranberries, raisins, and apricots)
Method
Step One
Preheat your popcorn maker. Alternatively, if you’re using a stovetop pan, add the canola oil and 3 popcorn kernels. Cover the pan, and heat it over medium-high heat until all 3 kernels pop. This indicates that your oil is hot enough to pop the rest of your popcorn.
Step Two
Once your popcorn maker or pan is preheated, add the remaining popcorn kernels and cook them according to your popcorn maker’s instructions, or pop them in the covered pan until the popping sounds slow down to about 2 seconds between pops.
Step Three
While your popcorn is popping, melt your butter in a microwave or in a small pan on the stove.
Step Four
Once your popcorn is popped and your butter is melted, pour the melted butter over the popcorn, sprinkling the granulated sugar, aonori, and sea salt evenly over the popcorn as you stir it.
Step Five
Drizzle the honey over the buttered, seasoned popcorn, stirring well to ensure that every kernel is coated with honey and the seasonings.
Step Six
Add the assorted dried fruits into the popcorn and stir well to distribute the fruits evenly throughout the popcorn.
Step Seven
Let your Aonori Popcorn cool for a couple of minutes before serving. Enjoy this salty-sweet snack as is, or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
