Crunchy Chili Lime Popcorn

Welcome to the vibrant world of culinary delights, where every ingredient tells a story and every dish holds the promise of joy. Today, we’re diving into a snack that’s nothing short of an explosion of flavor—Zesty Crunchy Chili Lime Popcorn. This delightful treat is more than just a simple snack; it’s a fusion of tastes and textures that will elevate your movie night or casual gatherings into a gourmet experience.

Discover the vibrant flavors of Zesty Crunchy Chili Lime Popcorn, a delicious twist on a classic snack that transforms ordinary popcorn into a gourmet experience. With the perfect blend of chili powder, fresh lime juice, and olive oil, this recipe offers a delightful combination of heat and tang that is both wholesome and satisfying. Perfect for movie nights or casual gatherings, enjoy a snack that's easy to make, can be customized to your taste, and provides nutritional benefits without artificial ingredients. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and elevate your snacking game!

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Ingredients

1/2 cup popcorn kernels

2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or coconut oil for a hint of sweetness)

1 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)

Zest of 1 lime

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional for a cheesy flavor)

1 tablespoon melted butter (for a richer flavor, optional)

Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Pop the Corn: In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add a few popcorn kernels and wait until they pop to know the oil is hot enough. Once hot, add the rest of the popcorn kernels and cover the pot with a lid, slightly ajar to let steam escape.

Shake it Up: As the popcorn starts to pop, gently shake the pot occasionally to prevent burning. Continue cooking until the popping slows to about 2 seconds between pops. Remove from heat.

Season the Popcorn: Transfer the popped corn to a large mixing bowl. While it's still warm, drizzle with melted butter (if using) and toss to coat evenly.

Add Flavors: Sprinkle the sea salt, chili powder, smoked paprika, and lime zest over the popcorn. Drizzle with lime juice, and toss well to ensure every kernel is coated with the zesty mixture.

Cheesy Twist (Optional): If using nutritional yeast, sprinkle it over the popcorn and toss to combine for a delicious cheesy flavor.

Serve and Garnish: Once combined, transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the zesty crunch!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

10 minutes | 20 minutes | 4 servings