This recipe was inspired by a great post over at the RAGuy about keeping off the prednisone pounds. Prednisone is a steroid that people with inflammatory arthritis frequently take to help reduce inflammation - the unfortunate side effects include a serious case of the munchies, so low-fat and low-calorie snacks are a must for those who need to keep their weight under control. This popcorn is seriously yummy and doesn't taste remotely like a dull, healthier option so you can serve it happily when friends comeover or you need a big bowl for movie watching. Even better, it proves you don't need a special air-popper machine to make your own delicious, fat-free popcorn.
Ingredients:
60g popcorn maize
1 tsp olive oil (optional)
Makes 2-3 servings
You will need a large,heavy based pan with a glass lid (if your wrists are a bit painful, get your splints on or get a helper).
Heat the pan up on the highest flame on your hob for about 1 minute. Now tip in olive oil and the corn kernels, then cover with the pan lid.
Wait patiently for about 2 minutes, giving the pan a shake every now and again with the lid still firmly held on. Be patient. After about 2-3 minutes the corn will start to pop. Keep it on the heat and shake the pan every 20 seconds or so until the popping calms down to about one pop every 30 seconds. Not all the corn will pop but don't worry about that - there will be plenty and if you keep heating the corn that has already popped, it will burn.
Tip out into a large bowl and season with one of the following combinations:
Parmesan and black pepper - mix in 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan, 1/2 tsp of cracked black pepper, 1/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp dried garlic powder (optional)
Wasabi - mix in 1 tsp wasabi powder, 1/2 tsp sugar or sweetener and 1/4 tsp salt
Cinnamon and brown sugar - mix in 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon and 1 tablespoon soft brown sugar (or sweetener) whilst the corn is still very hot
Spicy paprika - mix in 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp garlic powder.
Arthritis diet notes:
The spicy toppings suggested here are all great at satisfying your hunger. Spicy flavourings have been found to increase people's sense of fullness after a meal and can have added benefits for your arthritis. For example, paprika can reduce pain and inflammation whilst boosting your metabolism and cinnamon can help control blood sugar levels.
