Did you know that 95% of store bought microwavable popcorns are made with highly toxic-inflammation-causing-Omega-6-rich Sunflower or Safflower oils? Let's enjoy that movie with something healthier. This popcorn collagen recipe doesn't skip the flavor. It balances out the fiber and fat with a kick of protein from the collagen and nutritional yeast, for a more balanced snack!
1/3cupNutritional Yeast(don’t be scared, it tastes like cheese…promise)
3tbspNaturally Brewed Soy Sauce (non msg)(I tried this with coconut aminos and it was too sweet for my liking)
1tspGarlic Powder
1tspOnion Powder
1/2tspCayenne Pepper
1-2tspPink Himalayan Salt
Instructions
Pop the kernels, either on the stovetop, air popper, or microwave. (My favorite method the stovetop with coconut oil) Set aside in a LARGE brown paper bag (you can use a bowl, but you need a BIG bowl to mix evenly)
In separate bowl, mix collagen, nutritional yeast, garlic, onion, cayenne pepper. (set aside)
Place coconut oil (+) butter, soy sauce, in a saucepan over a medium-low heat, stirring, until the garlic is lightly browned. (or in a microwave for about 45sec-1 min)
Evenly spoon ½ the liquid goodness over the popcorn, close bag and shake for 10 seconds or until fully coated. (*See notes for how to avoid overly wet/dense popcorn)
Add half the collagen/nutritional yeast mixture, and shake again for 10-15 seconds or until fully coated, salt and shake again.
TASTE it, it may already be flavorful enough.
If needing more flavor, add remaining liquid, and shake for 10-15 sec.
Add remaining collagen/nutritional yeast, and toss again for 10-15 sec.
Taste, and add more soy, yeast for stronger flavor. Try a little salt first though. You may just need that lil’ something for extra flavor.
Notes
NOTE: If the popcorn is ‘too wet’, place on a sheet or roasting pan at 275 degrees for 3-4 min or until dried out and crunchy. (monitor this, because when in the oven TOO long it starts to develop an almost bitter flavor. (I know from doing this over 4 batches)
I tried using Coconut Aminos (a favorite alternative to Soy Sauce because its 75% less sodium with a similar flavor profile). However, it was too sweet for this recipe. So, my recommendation is to stick with a gluten-free NATURALLY BREWED Soy sauce for this recipe (if it says naturally brewed, it will be free of harmful MSG). I used Kikkoman’s Gluten-Free Naturally Brewed.
You may be a little hesitant to use something called ‘Nutritional Yeast’. I get it. I learned all about it when I went Vegan for 3 days back in 2014. It’s the BEST FRIEND of most Vegetarian and Vegans looking for a lil’ something cheesy. It mimics a powdered cheese flavor…promise, and you can find it in most grocery stores (I’d just head to customer service to ask which aisle they keep it in).