Late Night Low Calorie Snack: Light Popcorn with Nutritional Yeast Recipe
Light popcorn dusted with nutritional yeast tastes cheesy without the cheese. A savory late night snack that's low calorie and oddly addictive.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- popcorn kernels 0.5 cup
- olive oil 2 tsp
Seasonings/Sauce
- nutritional yeast 2 tbsp
- sea salt 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates
11 g
63%
Protein
3 g
17%
Fat
2 g
20%
Cooking steps
-
1
Heat a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat and add the olive oil.
-
2
Pour in the popcorn kernels, cover the pot tightly, and shake gently to coat with oil.
-
3
Maintain medium heat; when you hear the first kernel pop, begin shaking the pot every few seconds for even heat distribution and to avoid burning.
-
4
Once the popping slows to 2–3 seconds between pops, immediately remove the pot from heat to prevent overcooking, and uncover to release steam.
-
5
Transfer the popcorn to a large bowl, sprinkle nutritional yeast and sea salt evenly while the popcorn is still warm, then toss thoroughly until coated.
Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The core ingredient is popcorn kernels, which provide the fluffy texture and base flavor. Nutritional yeast is essential for its savory, cheesy notes, making this snack unique without dairy.
Q. Why is heat control important when making popcorn?
Maintaining medium heat and shaking the pot ensures even popping and prevents burning. Removing the pot when popping slows is crucial to avoid dry, scorched popcorn and retain moisture for a light crunch.
Q. How can you avoid soggy or chewy popcorn?
Uncover the pot quickly after popping to let steam escape. This prevents excess moisture from settling on the popcorn, resulting in a crisp, airy texture. Tossing while warm also helps the seasoning adhere without making it damp.
Q. How many calories are in each serving, and what's the carb-to-protein ratio?
Each 25g serving contains about 70 kcal, with 11g carbohydrates (63% of calories) and 3g protein (17%). This makes it a light, low-calorie snack with modest protein and minimal fat.
