Truffle Popcorn
A welcome addition to just about any occasion, popcorn is infinitely adaptable to different flavor profiles, from dill pickle to cheddar cheese to caramel. It may well be the perfect snack. The kernels are addictive, but it’s not bad for you—technically, it’s a whole grain food that's full of fiber.
Of course, popcorn is also incredibly easy to make. Oil popping—heating the kernels on the stove in a covered pot with a small amount of fat—is our preferred method at home. Popping corn in an air popper also works, but dry flavorings like salt won’t stick to plain air-popped popcorn without the addition of a little oil or butter. Moreover, unless you also use your air popper to roast coffee, the machine is one of those single-use kitchen appliances that might not justify the space it takes up in your cabinet. Oil popping doesn’t add very much fat (you’ll probably be adding some anyway) and requires only a stove, pot, and lid.
This recipe for truffle popcorn couldn’t be simpler. The one trick is to use a mortar and pestle to grind the truffle salt into a fine powder before tossing with the popcorn. This step helps for even distribution of flavor and also allows the salt to stick better to the popcorn. Truffle salt is also a more flexible seasoning than truffle oil and better for sprinkling on everything from steak to vegetables. If you want to dress this popcorn up a little more, add some finely chopped herbs, grated Parmesan, fresh ground black pepper, or even nutritional yeast to amp up the savory delight of this simple yet gourmet snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or other high smoke point oil, like coconut or ghee)
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
- 1/2 teaspoon truffle salt
- Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling