Salted Caramel Popcorn

Here’s the recipe for delicious salted caramel popcorn!

Ingredients

• 100 g popcorn kernels
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for example, coconut oil or corn oil)
• 150 g granulated sugar
• 90 g butter
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• Flaky sea salt (to finish)

Instructions

1. First, prepare the popcorn. In a large pot with a lid, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add a few popcorn kernels to the pot and cover. When the kernels start to pop, add the rest and cover again. Shake the pot occasionally. When the popping slows down, remove the pot from the heat and transfer the popcorn to a large bowl.
2. Preheat the oven to 120 °C. Spread the popcorn evenly on one or two baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
3. For the salted caramel, in a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sugar and fine sea salt. Stir constantly until the mixture begins to boil. Once boiling, stop stirring and let it cook for about 4-5 minutes or until the mixture turns a nice amber golden color (be careful not to burn it).
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully add the baking soda and vanilla extract (if using), stirring quickly, as the mixture will become fizzy.
5. Immediately pour the caramel over the popcorn in the oven, trying to distribute it as evenly as possible.
6. Bake the popcorn for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure the popcorn is evenly coated.
7. Once the caramel has finished baking, remove the popcorn from the oven and sprinkle with flaky sea salt while still warm.
8. Let the popcorn cool completely before breaking it into pieces and serving.

A fun fact: Salted caramel is a typical French preparation called “caramel au beurre salé,” which has become famous worldwide for its perfect balance of sweet and salty. Pairing this delight with American popcorn is an example of culinary fusion that creates an irresistible snack for movie nights!

Enjoy making and have fun!