How To Make Sorghum Popcorn

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Making sorghum popcorn is a delightful and healthy alternative to traditional popcorn. Sorghum grains are much smaller than popcorn kernels but pop in a similar way and offer a crunchy, tasty snack. Here's how to make and season it for a delicious taste:

Ingredients:

1/4 cup sorghum grains

1-2 tablespoons of a high smoke point oil (e.g., coconut oil, avocado oil)

Salt, to taste

Optional Seasoning Ideas:

Sweet: A sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.

Savory: Nutritional yeast and garlic powder for a cheesy flavor.

Spicy: A pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper mixed with lime zest.

Herb: A mix of dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano.

Instructions:

Prepare Your Pan: Use a large, heavy-bottomed pot with a lid. The pot should be large enough to allow the grains to move around.

Heat the Oil: Over medium-high heat, add your chosen oil to the pot. Allow the oil to heat up but not smoking. To test if the oil is hot enough, you can add a single sorghum grain to the pot. If it spins or pops, the oil is ready.

Add Sorghum Grains: Pour the sorghum grains into the hot oil and cover the pot with a lid. Keep the heat at medium-high.

Shake the Pot: Once the grains start popping, gently shake the pot back and forth over the burner. This movement helps prevent the grains from burning and ensures even popping.

Listen: When the popping sound slows down significantly, remove the pot from the heat. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes. Wait until the popping stops, similar to regular popcorn, to ensure you don't end up with many unpopped grains.

Season: Immediately transfer your popped sorghum into a large bowl. While it's still hot, season it with your chosen seasonings. Salt is a must for most, but this is where you can get creative with the flavors listed above or any of your own favorite combinations.

Enjoy: Toss the sorghum popcorn well to evenly coat it with the seasoning, then enjoy your healthy, flavorful snack!

Note that sorghum popcorn will be much smaller than traditional popcorn, so it's a finer snack that's great for topping on salads or soups or just enjoying by the handful.

Sorghum is a nutrient-rich grain that offers various health benefits, making sorghum popcorn a nutritious snack option. While the exact nutritional value can vary based on the specific type of sorghum and the additional ingredients (such as oil and seasonings) used, here is a general overview of the nutritional content of plain, air-popped sorghum per 1 cup serving (popped):

  • Calories: Approximately 150-160 calories. This can vary slightly based on the size of the sorghum grains.

  • Protein: About 4 grams. Sorghum is a good plant-based protein source.

  • Fiber: Roughly 3 to 4 grams. The high fiber content helps in digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.

  • Fat: Minimal fat, around 1 to 2 grams, if air-popped without adding oil. If oil is used for popping, the fat content will be higher depending on the amount and type of oil used.

  • Carbohydrates: Approximately 30 to 35 grams, with a low to moderate glycemic index, making it a good option for sustained energy.

  • Vitamins and Minerals: Sorghum is a good source of various nutrients, including B vitamins (especially niacin, B6), magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and iron. It also contains antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.

One of the key benefits of sorghum is that it is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent grain choice for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Additionally, the antioxidants found in sorghum, such as phenolic compounds and flavonoids, contribute to its health-promoting properties.

When seasoning sorghum popcorn, keep in mind that adding ingredients like sugar, salt, or butter will alter its nutritional profile. To keep your snack healthy, opt for seasonings that add flavor without significantly increasing the calorie, sodium, or sugar content, such as herbs, spices, or nutritional yeast.