Spicewalla's Perfect Popcorn

Plain buttered popcorn is perfectly fine, but we can do so much better!

These flavour-packed recipes will turn your basic kernels into something you'd actually crave, featuring our new collaboration with Poppy Hand Crafted Popcorn and some other favorites from our collection of blends.

Perfect Stovetop Popcorn

Before we dive into the flavours, let's nail the technique. Stovetop popcorn gives you better texture and more control than microwave bags, plus you can pop it in coconut oil for extra flavour.

What you need:

3 tablespoons coconut oil (or high-heat oil of choice)
½ cup popcorn kernels
Large pot with lid

Heat oil over medium-high heat with 3 test kernels. When they pop, add the remaining kernels in an even layer. Cover and shake occasionally to prevent burning. When popping slows to 2-3 seconds between pops, remove from heat immediately. Transfer to a large bowl while warm.

Pro tip: Pop your corn just before you're ready to season it. Warm popcorn = better flavour and spice adhesion.

Elote Popcorn

We're thrilled to partner with Poppy Hand-Crafted Popcorn right here in Asheville.

When two local makers get together and geek out over flavour, good things happen. The Elote blend is our first time using nutritional yeast in a seasoning, and we're kind of obsessed. It's earned a permanent spot in our pantry (right next to the salt and pepper) for everything from popcorn to roasted vegetables to weeknight pasta. The tangy, creamy, kick of heat flavour that is packed in this blend is truly one of a kind.

Ingredients:

1 batch of Perfect Stovetop Popcorn
3 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
2-3 tablespoons Poppy Elote Seasoning
Fresh lime wedges (optional, for serving)
Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Drizzle melted butter over warm popcorn and toss well. Sprinkle Elote seasoning generously while continuing to toss, don't be shy!. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime and a handful of cilantro.

Za'atar Popcorn with Lemon

Za'atar is one of those seasonings that transforms everything it touches. It’s nutty, herbal, tangy, and a little bit earthy all at once. On popcorn, it's unexpectedly perfect.

Ingredients:

1 batch of Perfect Stovetop Popcorn
3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
2 tablespoons Za'atar
1 teaspoon Flake Sea Salt
Zest of 1 lemon

Toss warm popcorn with olive oil until evenly coated. Combine Za'atar and salt, then sprinkle over popcorn while tossing continuously. Finish with lemon zest for brightness.

Tandoori Masala Popcorn

Tandoori Masala creates a smoky, deeply savory flavour that's hard to stop eating. The ghee amplifies the richness to create the perfect handful of popcorn.

Ingredients:

1 batch of Perfect Stovetop Popcorn
3 tablespoons ghee or melted butter
2 tablespoons Tandoori Masala
½ teaspoon Sicilian Sea Salt
Optional: ¼ cup cashews, toasted and chopped
Optional: dried mango pieces

Drizzle ghee over warm popcorn and sprinkle Tandoori Masala and salt while tossing. For extra texture and sweetness, fold in toasted cashews and dried mango pieces.

Modena Balsamic Parmesan Popcorn

This one's for when you want something a little unexpected. Modena Balsamic brings tangy sweetness that plays beautifully with salty Parmesan and butter.

Ingredients:

1 batch freshly popped popcorn
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1½ tablespoons Modena Balsamic Rub
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon sea salt
Optional: 1 teaspoon honey

Whisk melted butter with Modena Balsamic (and honey if using). Drizzle over warm popcorn and toss thoroughly. Immediately add Parmesan, salt, and pepper while tossing, the warmth helps the cheese melt slightly and stick.

Pro tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan, not the pre-shredded stuff. It melts better and tastes infinitely better.