This homemade truffle butter, Parmesan cheese and fresh thyme popcorn is a welcome departure from the bagged stuff.
If you want something a little out of the ordinary to pair with your bubbly this New Year’s Eve, may I suggest freshly popped truffle butter Parmesan and thyme popcorn? Yes, popcorn with Champagne. As strange as it may sound, the two make a great pair.
In honor of the start of a new year it’s only appropriate to pop open a few Champagne corks. Nothing says celebration quite like Champagne. In the words of Napoleon “In victory, you deserve Champagne, in defeat, you need it.” I think its secret is in those tiny bubbles. The refreshing effervescence captured in Champagne makes it unlike any other spirit; it truly is a sparkling wine of great distinction. A glass of good bubbly excites the taste buds and refreshes the palate.
While popcorn and champagne may not be two things you would ordinarily think to put together, they actually suit each other quite well. The acidity and cleansing action of the bubbles which in the words of wine expert Andrea Immer are “scrubbing bubbles for your palate” work to balance the saltiness and buttery richness of the popcorn.
But I’m not talking about bagged microwave popcorn. In fact, microwave popcorn has taken a quite a beating since the associated health dangers came to light that consumers were being exposed to toxic microwave popcorn fumes.
The steam released from microwave popcorn bags contains nearly four dozen chemicals according to a report from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, not to mention the chemicals lining the bags which are then ingested. While it's unclear how many of the chemicals may be harmful at the levels emitted, I’d prefer to pass on the microwave in a bag popcorn variety and make my own. And it doesn’t take long at all to pop your own.
Swathed in melted truffle butter, gently sprinkled with salt and generously with Parmesan and fresh thyme, it’s a welcome departure from the bagged stuff.
The creaminess of the butter and the intensity of black truffles combines with a handful of good Parmesan cheese and the woodsy aroma of thyme to create a truly unique and indulgent snack that deserves a place in everyone’s home.
Truffle butter is one of those ingredients that will simply change the way you cook. You’ll find yourself eagerly plopping a good pat of it on top of braised, steamed or sautéed vegetables. The unctuous butter makes the most wonderful mashed potatoes and omelets. It has a distinctive rich, earthy, nutty flavor which complements a wide range of foods, but it really shines as a simple popcorn topping.
So to celebrate this year, whip up a batch of popcorn and then break out the Champagne! Cheers.
Truffle Butter, Parmesan and Thyme Popcorn
This homemade truffle butter, Parmesan cheese and fresh thyme popcorn is a welcome departure from the bagged stuff.
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons /28g black truffle butter
- 5 sprigs of fresh thyme leaves
- 2 Tablespoons/30ml coconut oil (or any oil that can withstand high heat)
- ½ cup popcorn kernels
- ⅓ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- Fine sea salt to taste
Instructions
- You'll need a large heavy-bottomed pot with lid. (Use a pot deep enough to accommodate the popped corn.)
- Melt truffle butter in a small sauce pan with the fresh thyme leaves. Set aside.
- Heat oil over medium heat with 2 or 3 popcorn kernels.
- When the kernels start to pop, remove from heat. Add the remaining popcorn kernels and cover.
- Place back over heat and cook, covered, leaving the lid slightly ajar (this is so water vapor can escape) while occasionally shaking the pot, until popping slows. Continue shaking until most kernels have popped and you can't hear them moving against the bottom of the pot which should take about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and drizzle with the thyme truffle butter, grated Parmesan cheese and sea salt. Put the lid back on and shake, shake, shake to mix the popcorn and get it thoroughly coated.
Notes
If you'd like you can also make pop your popcorn in the microwave using your own bag and none of the chemicals. Toss the popcorn in a clean paper bag. Fold the top of the bag over twice to close. Place the bag in the microwave and microwave on high for 2 minutes to 3 minutes, or until there are about 5 seconds between pops.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 135Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 261mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 2g
Nutritional information for recipes contained on this website, such as calories, fat, carbs, etc. are only estimates and are not guaranteed to be accurate.
Sylvie Shirazi is the recipe developer and food photographer behind Gourmande in the Kitchen. For the last 10 years she's been making eating more healthfully easy and accessible with gluten-free, grain-free, paleo and vegan recipes that are free from processed ingredients.
Amy says
I was just checking out air popcorn poppers last weekend. This may just push me to head back to grab one. Totally drooling thinking about the combo!
Kitchen Belleicious says
I could just sit at home and have this new years eve night and call it a fabulous time! Love the flavoring to the popcorn- magical!
Grubarazzi (@Grubarazzi) says
What a gorgeous pairing. My appetite and eyes are never let down when I come to visit your blog 🙂
Shaina says
We've been on a popcorn kick around here. This is perfect for a party. Love.
Sukaina says
I must have been living under a rock as I had no clue about the risks associated with microwave popcorn. Back in Tanznia where we never had microwaves (!) my Mum used ot make the popcorns just ike your instructions.
Barbara | Creative Culinary says
This did not disappoint even though I have no truffle butter anywhere in site! I do have black truffle salt and some thyme peeking out from the snow off my patio so I'll make a simpler version but can't wait to try it.
I haven't made microwave popcorn for years; before knowing the risks you cite, I just wanted fresher popcorn using less fat so I bought one of these Whirley Poppers. LOVE this thing:
http://www.amazon.com/Wabash-Valley-Farms-25008-Whirley-Pop/dp/B00004SU35/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325093377&sr=8-1
Joyti says
I've been really getting into flavoring my own popcorn lately too...and I just tried truffle butter and parmesan too. I think the thyme is a great addition - it adds a very nice pop of color + flavor. Gorgeous!
And Happy New Year to you!
Alison @ Ingredientsinc.net says
fabulous!! Love this style and recipe for New Years eve
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says
This sounds wonderful and simple! I love that you paired two seemingly opposite style items 🙂
katie says
Yum! I just happen to have a container of truffle butter in my fridge at this very moment and I've now decided what to do with it!