Vegan Maple Kettle Corn

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 5

Author Melissa

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat and set aside.
In a large heavy bottomed pan with a lid, heat oil and 2-3 popcorn kernels, over mdium heat. This will take a few minutes. Be sure to cover with lid while heating.
Once kernels have popped, the oil is hot enough to add the remaining kernels.
Quickly pour maple syrup over kernels and add salt. Cover until the kernels begin to pop and then tilt the lid slightly to allow steam to escape.
Gently shimmy and swirl the pan the whole time to prevent the syrup and kernels from burning. Continue to cook until the popping slows down to once every few seconds.
When popping slows, remove pot from heat and wait for popping to stop completely.
Once popping stops, pour the popcorn on the prepared baking sheet to cool for a few minutes.
Break up any large clumps of popcorn and serve. Any leftover popcorn can be stored in air tight containers for 2-3 days.

Use a large heavy bottomed pan with a lid to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
Heat the oil and a couple of kernels with the lid on. Once the kernels pop, you'll know the oil is hot enough and you can then add the rest of the ingredients.
Tilt the lid slightly to create an opening to allow the steam out. This ensures you end up with crisp and not chewy popcorn.
Keep the pan moving during cooking. Gently shimmy and swirl the pan as the kernels and syrup are heating to prevent them from burning. I use oven mitts or you can use a kitchen towel around the handles to protect your wrists.
Use medium heat to make your popcorn. You don't want the heat to be too high or you will burn the sugars in the maple syrup leaving your popcorn charred with an unpleasant bitter taste.
It may take a batch or two to figure out just the perfect heat for your particular stove and pan. Don't fret if you burn a few pieces, simply pick them out.
As soon as the popcorn has finished popping, transfer it to a parchment lined baking sheet to cool to keep the popcorn separated and from hardening on the pan. Break up any clumps that do form before serving.
For easier clean up, run cold water in the pan immediately after the popcorn has finished.