For many of us, movie nights are incomplete without popcorn. We all have our favourite flavour options, including classics like butter, cheese, caramel, etc. or more experimental seasonings such as cream & onion, barbecue, peri peri or the like. If you often make or buy popcorn for consumption at home, there's something you need to know: it is not just a snack. Popcorn is actually an ingredient. What we mean by this is that you can use popcorn in various ways while cooking specific sweet and savoury dishes. This can be a good way to use up leftover popcorn or simply a new way for popcorn lovers to relish their favourite food. Here are some easy tips and tricks to try at home:
Here Are 8 Creative Ways To Use Popcorn While Cooking:
1. Replace breadcrumbs with popcorn
Crush popcorn and use it to coat chicken, fish, paneer, cutlet mixtures and other foods before frying. These dishes are also sometimes described as "popcorn-crusted." This hack is wonderful for multiple reasons. Firstly, if you run out of breadcrumbs, you know you have a backup option: popcorn. Secondly, if your popcorn has turned stale and soft, you can still get some use out of it in this way. Thirdly, if you're tired of the same old coating options for snacks, this will bring some novelty. Here's a recipe for reference.
2. Use popcorn as a coating for other snacks
Popcorn as a coating doesn't necessarily need to be fried. You can also simply roll foods like soft cheeses, chocolate balls, fruit pieces, etc., in crushed popcorn before serving. This gives them a fun and fascinating coating, and you'll end up with unique appetisers.
Also Read: 4 Easy Ways To Reheat Popcorn Like A Pro
Crush popcorn to use it as a coating. Photo Credit: Pexels
3. Make popcorn chaat
Bored of the same old chaat options? Have you ever considered making one using popcorn? Since popcorn is both crunchy and absorbent, it can actually be a great chaat ingredient. Toss it with chopped onions, potatoes, tomatoes, coriander, sev, and other such elements to create a unique snack. Flavour it with lime juice, chaat masalas and chutneys.
4. Top soups and salads with popcorn
Add popcorn to savoury dishes for extra crunch. Photo Credit: Pexels
You can add popcorn to soups and salads for extra crunch. Use salted/butter popcorn or opt for flavoured ones to give your dish an interesting twist. In this case, popcorn works as a sort of substitute for croutons. In case you're worried about this increasing the calorie count of your healthy soup or salad, opt for plain homemade popcorn.
Also Read: How The Humble Popcorn Became The World's Go-To Movie Snack
5. Add popcorn to wraps and rolls
Any boring wrap or roll can be enhanced with a bit of crunch. If you have ever tasted one with pieces of chips or nachos, you'll know what we're talking about. And if you haven't yet, you're missing out. You can also use popcorn for this purpose. It is sure to surprise and delight!
6. Add popcorn to trail mix
Give your trail mix a yummy upgrade by adding popcorn to it. Simply combine dry fruits, nuts, seeds, granola/cereal and popcorn. Add chocolate pieces if you're feeling indulgent. Season it as per your liking.
7. Prepare popcorn brittle
Traditional brittle is made with almonds or peanuts. This version uses popcorn instead. This caramelised candy can be made and stored for later consumption. To prepare the brittle, combine the popcorn with heated caramel/butter-sugar syrup and let it set into a thin sheet. Once cooled, break it into jagged pieces.
Also Read: Lemon-Pepper Popcorn: Give Your Popcorn A Citrusy Kick With This Delish Recipe
8. Enhance desserts with popcorn
Top ice cream with popcorn. Photo Credit: Pexels
Popcorn can enhance desserts in multiple ways. You can use popcorn as a topping for ice cream/sundaes, as a garnish for icing on cakes, as a component in the creamy layers of different desserts, as the crust for a cheesecake, etc. You can also incorporate it into the dough/batter for cookies, cakes, puddings, etc., to give it a unique texture.
Want to make a special type of popcorn at home for a movie night? Click here to explore some cool recipes.