Gluten Free Barbeque Flavored Popcorn (organic, with vegan option) + Meatless Monday

Free of gluten, soy, and nuts with a dairy-free / vegan option

 

Considering that I already have two popcorn recipes on the blog, you might have gotten the impression that I really like popcorn. And I do. I really, really like popcorn. And I love that it's getting easier and easier to find organic popcorn so I don't always have to search so hard to get my popcorn fix! 

Popcorn is a filling, low calorie with a little kick of protein. So I think it's a great snack for Meatless Monday - or any day for that matter.

So I've recently discovered how awesome smoked paprika is. It makes things taste like barbeque and bacon, but without the bacon. After a failed attempt at Mexican Chocolate Chili Popcorn last week, I figured why not try barbeque popcorn? I did, and let me tell you, it's awesome. Like barbeque chips, without the deep fry and white potato. 

I had originally intended to share a cabbage recipe roundup this week, but have decided to share this instead because a) while cabbage is good, barbeque flavored popcorn is better. 

And b) I was telling my friend Ryan the other night about this popcorn (for the life of my I can't remember why!) and he expressed a strong desire to try it. Ryan and I have been co-organizers of a fabulous writing group for the last year in Madison, WI. I'm going to be moving back to Canada in the next two weeks and will sadly be leaving the awesome folks of my writing group behind. Sharing a BBQ popcorn recipe is the least I can do to thank him for being such a great organizer!

So Ryan, this bag of popcorn is for you ;) 


Oh, and in case you're wondering about that Mexican Chocolate Chili Popcorn, it was really good, too. Unfortunately, I've found that raw chili powder aggravates the heck outta my mouth. I didn't measure anything, but if you want to try it, it's basically like my Chocolate Caramel Popcorn but without the caramel and with chili powder mixed in.

Ingredients for Gluten Free BBQ Flavored Popcorn 

(makes about 10 cups, or 1 large bowl) 

1 bag of organic microwave popcorn (or follow my directions for making stove top popcorn  )

2 Tbsp organic butter, melted (or vegan substitute, or 1.5 Tbsp olive oil or coconut oil)
2 tsp smoked paprika (yes, it should be smoked, not plain. This makes a difference)
2 tsp organic brown sugar
3/4 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp garlic powder

Directions:

1. Pop popcorn according to bag's directions or my directions for stove top popcorn

2. Mix together paprika, brown sugar, salt, and garlic powder. Toss popcorn with butter, then sprinkle with paprika mixture and toss again (either by hand or in a large pot or bowl with a lid and shake it like mad) 

Now I tend to eat mine with a spoon because it makes my fingers messy, but if you don't mind licking your fingers, go ahead and hoover this down by the handful!! 

If you like popcorn, you might also like to try my Easy Caramel Popcorn recipe and my 5 Minute Chocolate Caramel Popcorn.

How do you like your popcorn?

Have you checked out my gluten free pasta book  Recipes for Unusual Gluten Free Pasta: Pierogis, Dumplings, Desserts and More! ? Get yourself a copy and start making GF won tons, pierogis, dumplings, and orzo today :)