Ever heard about boiled popcorn? I believe you also wondered if it is a real thing. Well, as surprising as it may seem, this type of popcorn exists.
Just as the name implies, it is popcorn that is boiled in water for about 30 minutes before popping it in the microwave, stove, or air-popper.
Boiled popcorn has become quite popular that it is branded as half-popped popcorn and sold in grocery stores.
Want to know more about boiled popcorn and how you can make it at home? This article will guide you.
What is boiled popcorn?
Boiled popcorn is a corn kernel that goes through boiling in water before the actual popping. This method of cooking popcorn gives it a soft outer shell and increases the time it takes to pop.
Dried corn kernels naturally have hard and non-porous shells which explode as the heat steam builds up pressure inside the kernel.
Boiling the dry corn kernels reduces the amount of pressure in them, and the time it takes to pop.
This process gives you half-popped corn kernels. The moisture from the water also makes the popcorn soft instead of the regular crunchy texture.
Can you make popcorn in boiled water?
Yes. You can make popcorn in boiled water. But it won’t be as crunchy and fluffy as it should be. Instead, you’d get half-popped popcorn which is also tasty and enjoyable.
Moreso, boiling popcorn in water before popping ensures that you do not have unpopped kernels in the bottom of the bag as usual. The boiling process heats up all the kernels down to the bottom of the bag.
If you love to munch on unpopped kernels, chances are you’d enjoy boiled popcorn because it’s half-popped yet succulent. You can even spice it up with any seasoning and toppings of your choice.
How to make popcorn from boiled corn kernels
There are different ways to make boiled popcorn.
Start with boiling the kernels in water, drain them, and dry them in a cool place. Afterward, you can go ahead to pop the kernels in a microwave, air popper, electric popper or stovetop.
However, the best way to cook boiled kernels is to pop them on stovetops.
If you’re making boiled popcorn for the first time, I’ll advise that you start with a cup of corn kernels so you know what to expect. Moreso, it will help you ascertain how much popcorn a cup of kernels will yield.
You can also test different popping methods to see which you’d prefer. When popping boiled kernels in the air popper, keep an eye on it so that it doesn’t shoot from the popper and burn you or anyone around.
When using the microwave, put the boiled kernels in a parchment paper or silicone popping bowl with a cover before placing it in the microwave. Then, take it out as soon as you notice the popping slow down.
Working with an electric popper follows the regular process of making popcorn. Make sure to take the popcorn out when popping slows down as well.
Boiled popcorn recipe
Follow the steps below to make boiled popcorn:
- Get a bag of corn kernels
- Get a large pot and fill it with water
- Boil the water till it comes to a rolling boil
- Put your kernels into the water and allow to boil for 30 minutes
- Turn off the stove and drain the water
- Put the boiled popcorn on kitchen paper and leave it to dry well
- Get a pan and put it on a stove
- Drop some oil into the pan
- Add a few corn kernels and wait for them to pop
- Then, put the rest of the kernel in the pan and cover it
- Shake the pan at intervals so it doesn’t burn
- As soon as the popping slows down, turn off your stove, take the pan off the burner, and put it in a bowl
- You can then add your choice of toppings and shake so it coats the popcorn coating
FAQs
Can you eat boiled corn kernels?
Yes, you can eat boiled corn kernels before you pop them on a stovetop, in the microwave, or air popper.
What happens if you boil popcorn kernels?
Boiling popcorn kernels weakens the hull, thus, making it pop halfway when you cook it in the microwave or stovetop.
How long do you boil popcorn?
You should boil popcorn for 30 minutes.
Conclusion
If you love dense, crispy yet chewy snacks, you should try getting a bag of ready-to-eat boiled popcorn or make it yourself at home. It is as healthy as regular popcorn and doesn’t require any special preparation.
Just like the regular popcorn, you can eat boiled popcorn as it is or season it with a pinch of salt and some toppings to make it heartier.
Thanks for reading.
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