Easy Stovetop Popcorn Recipe

In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine the oil and 2 popcorn kernels.

Cover the pot and wait for the kernels to pop. In the meantime, place a large serving bowl near the stove.

Once the kernels pop, turn off the burner, remove the pot from the heat and pour in the remaining popcorn kernels. Cover the pot again, and give the pot a little shimmy to distribute the kernels evenly.

Let the pot rest for 60 seconds to make sure the oil doesn’t get too hot before the kernels are ready to pop.

Turn the heat back up to medium, put the pot back onto the burner and continue cooking the popcorn, carefully shimmying the pot occasionally to cook the kernels evenly.

Once the kernels start popping, tip the lid just a touch to allow steam to escape.

Continue cooking until the popping sound slows to about one pop every few seconds. If the popcorn tries to overflow the pot, just tip the upper portion of popcorn into the bowl and return it to the heat.

Remove the lid and dump the popcorn into the serving bowl. Sprinkle the popcorn with a couple pinches of salt, to taste, and any other topping.

Toss the popcorn and serve immediately, for best flavor and texture.