The Perfect Popcorn, The Diaspora Way

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Here at Diaspora HQ, popcorn is a way of life. It's a snack, it's a meal, it's a moment of joy. How to make the perfect bowlful is contested though. Some of us love the good ol' air-popper, while others are stans of the stove-top method. Whatever way you choose, make sure to toss with lots of butter or ghee—or, some leftover melted bacon fat, if you wanna be extra indulgent!—and a generous sprinkling of our Popcorn Seasoning (a zippy-savory blend of nutritional yeast, turmeric, smoked chillies, chaat masala, and salt).

Ingredients

For stovetop popcorn

½ cup (100g) popcorn kernels
3 tablespoons neutral oil, like canola or avocado
1 to 2 tablespoons melted butter, ghee, or the fat of your choice
3 tablespoons Popcorn Seasoning
Surya Salt, to taste

For air-popped popcorn

½ cup (100g) popcorn kernels
1 to 2 tablespoons melted butter, ghee, or the fat of your choice
3 tablespoons Popcorn Masala
Surya Salt, to taste

Methods

For the stovetop method

Combine the popcorn kernels and oil in a Dutch oven or large, heavy-bottomed pot, place over medium heat, and stir to coat the kernels in the oil. When the kernels start to sizzle in the oil, put the lid on. Once you hear popping (don't leave the stove!), give the pot a shake every now and again to help the unpopped kernels settle to the bottle and prevent the popped ones from scorching, and continue to cook until the sound between the pops is a couple seconds apart. Turn off the heat, remove the lid partway, and let sit for 1 minute.
If the pot is big enough, drizzle with desired amount of the melted fat of your choice, sprinkle with Popcorn Seasoning,and gently toss to coat. Or, transfer the popcorn to a large bowl to dress and season. Taste and season with more Popcorn Seasoning a or salt, if necessary. Enjoy immediately.

For the air-popper method

Place the popcorn kernels in the air-popper and pop according to the machine's directions.
Place popcorn in a large bowl, big enough to toss in, and drizzle with desired amount of the melted fat of your choice, sprinkle with Popcorn Seasoning, and gently toss to coat. Taste and season with more Popcorn Seasoning or salt, if necessary. Enjoy immediately.