Italian Breadstick Popcorn

Did you know that popcorn has more protein than any other cereal grain, more iron than spinach, more phosphorous than pretzels, and almost as much fiber as bran flakes? Yeah, me neither. I already knew that popcorn was a healthy snack choice to make because it so low in calories, but wow! With impressive credentials like that, I am beginning to think I should eat popcorn more often.

Like, every single day.

I recently starting making my own popcorn on the stove top and it has made quite the difference. The popcorn tastes so much fresher (and I never have old maids left over). I can adjust the salt and oil content myself, which gives me the power to control my popcorn's destiny.

If you haven't tried cooking stove top popcorn, I suggest you give it a shot. I use the Whirley Pop which hasn't made me a bad batch yet. I recommend it if you are in the market for a popcorn popper (and no, I'm not be bribed to say this). It works well for me; I have no reason to believe it won't work well for you.

This popcorn is incredibly addictive. Popcorn on its own can be addictive but these seasonings take it to a new level. The basil brings out the Italian flavor and the garlic salt makes the popcorn reminiscent of a good breadstick. Each kernel manages to pack a punch of flavor without adding extra calories from butter, caramel, or other toppings. If you are looking for a way to spice up your popcorn, you should give this a shot. You won't be disappointed.

Italian Breadstick Popcorn
Adapted from Whirley Pop Recipes

1 tablespoon basil
1 tablespoon parsley
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon popcorn salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
8 cups popped popcorn, hot and fresh

In a small bowl, mix together the basil, parsley, garlic salt, and popcorn salt.

Immediately when the popcorn is finished popping, transfer it to a large bowl with a lid. Add the spice mixture when the popcorn is still very hot, drizzle on the olive oil, and close the lid, shaking until the popcorn is evenly coated. Doing this while the popcorn is hot will allow the spices to stick better to the popcorn, resulting in a better flavor.

Serve hot!

Comments

[Charissa]

Haha...like every single day. I'm totally with you on that one...I'm a huge popcorn fan and I didn't realize that it had so much nutrition to it...I guess I thought of it as more a fibre food. Love it.

[Allie Finch]

Agreed -- popcorn should definitely be eaten more often, & I certainly don't have a problem filling that quota since I pop my own as well. :) This is a really creative spin: incorporating herbs. Thanks for a great idea! I love the composition of the third photo; very nice.

[katie]

I just made this, but added some parmesan cheese to it as well. love it!!

[Lindsey@Lindselicious]

I love the idea of incorporating herbs, I had just been doing different salts and parm. Can't wait to try it out!

[Stacey]

That sounds so yummy! I'm going to try this later on and I might add in the Parmesan cheese that someone else added. I'm confused on whether you used garlic powder or garlic salt since in the ingredients you said garlic salt but in the instructions you said to add garlic powder. Either way it sounds amazing!

[Heidi]

Wow, popcorn is amazing stuff! I just read an article saying popcorn is a good source antioxidants! Awesome. I need to find a way to eat some every day too :D This recipe looks so tasty! I'm going to try it this afternoon when the kids ask for a snack :)

[Kristin Rosenau]

Stacey--Thanks for catching that typo! I used garlic salt in this recipe (though I imagine garlic powder would work equally as well).

Heidi--Popcorn really does seem to be a super food. Who would have guessed it?

[Jan Bills]

Yummy! Thanks!

May all your gardens grow,
Jan @TWOwomenANDaHOE

[katy]

this sounds delicious!

i love popping my own popcorn on the stove (i use a cast iron pot and it tastes sooo good)
but in a rush, my mom recently showed me that you can pop your own popcorn in the microwave just using a brown paper lunch sack.

she just throws a handful of popcorn kernels in the bag, folds the end once or twice, and uses the popcorn setting - sometimes it finishes 30 seconds early or so, just listen. then you can use the same delicious herbs without all the butter and preservatives :)

thanks for the inspiration!

[Sara]

I'm wondering if I can make this ahead of time? I know pouring the oil over will make them soggy over time... but could I add the seasoning into the popping phase to season it that way where it would last longer?