Vegan popcorn recipes for movie night

Hello everyone!

Are you ready to elevate your movie night with some delicious, vegan-friendly popcorn recipes? Whether you're a die-hard vegan or just looking to cut down on animal products, these popcorn variations will make your movie nights not only guilt-free but also incredibly tasty. Here's how you can whip up some gourmet popcorn that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Classic Vegan Popcorn

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (like canola or grapeseed)
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the oil: In a large pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat until it's shimmering but not smoking.
2. Pop the corn: Add the popcorn kernels to the pot and cover it with a lid. Shake the pot gently to coat the kernels in oil. Once you hear the popping start, shake occasionally to ensure even popping.
3. Season: When the popping slows to several seconds between pops, remove from heat, uncover carefully, and season with salt while hot.

You can cook popcorn in the microwave using a microwave-safe bowl with a lid or in an air popper, which circulates hot air to pop the kernels without added oil. Another method is using a popcorn maker machine, which often uses hot air to pop the corn.

Spicy Sriracha Popcorn

Ingredients:

• Classic Vegan Popcorn (as above)
• 2 tablespoons vegan butter, melted
• 1-2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
• A pinch of chilli powder or cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare base popcorn: Make the classic popcorn as instructed.
2. Spice it up: In a small bowl, mix the melted vegan butter with Sriracha sauce. Drizzle over the popcorn, and toss well to coat evenly. Sprinkle with chilli powder or cayenne for extra heat if desired.

Caramel and Sea Salt Popcorn

Ingredients:

• Classic Vegan Popcorn
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup vegan butter
• 1/4 cup maple syrup or agave nectar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• Coarse sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions:

1. Base popcorn: Pop your corn as detailed in the classic recipe.
2. Make caramel: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, vegan butter, maple syrup, and salt. Stir until the mixture comes to a boil. Boil for 4 minutes without stirring.
3. Add flavour: Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract and baking soda (it will foam up).
4. Coat popcorn: Pour over the popcorn, mixing quickly to coat. Spread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, sprinkle with sea salt, and let cool. Break apart once cooled.

Herbed Garlic Popcorn

Ingredients:

• Classic Vegan Popcorn
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of rosemary, basil, and oregano)
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Pop your popcorn: Follow the classic recipe for popcorn.
2. Infuse the oil: In a small pan, heat the olive oil with minced garlic and herbs over low heat until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
3. Season: Pour this over your popcorn, toss well, and season with salt to taste.

Nooch (Nutritional Yeast) Popcorn

Ingredients:

• Classic Vegan Popcorn
• 3-4 tablespoons nutritional yeast ("nooch")
• 1-2 teaspoons fine sea salt (adjust to taste)
• Optional: 1 tablespoon melted vegan butter or a light drizzle of oil for better adhesion

Instructions:

1. Pop your popcorn: Prepare popcorn as per the classic method.
2. Season with nooch: While the popcorn is hot, drizzle it with vegan butter or oil if using, then immediately toss with nutritional yeast and salt. Use a large bowl or a food storage container with a lid for tossing to ensure an even coat. The heat and slight moisture help the nooch stick to the popcorn.

Note: Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy, nutty flavour that's beloved in vegan cuisine. It's also packed with vitamins, making this snack both tasty and nutritious.

These recipes not only offer variety but also turn a simple snack into a gourmet treat. Whether you're in for a horror flick or a light-hearted comedy, these popcorn recipes will make your movie night special. Enjoy your films with flavours that dance on your palate, all while keeping it vegan!

Happy snacking and happy viewing!