Fair warning. You may become ever so slightly obsessed with this Smokey Spiced Chili Lime Popcorn. But that’s ok, because as far as healthy snack cravings go, this one is 100% Spicy RD approved!
The inspiration for this delightfully smokey, tangy, slightly sea salty popcorn with a kick, comes from this month’s Recipe ReDux theme…
Start Smoking in the New Year…The New Year is heating up with smoke and spiciness. From boldly flavored smoked salts to actual smoking techniques, subtly smoked food is on-trend. The same can be said for spice as we savor heat from harissa, siracha, and smoked paprika. Show us the healthy dish you’re heating up with smoke and/or spiciness.
It also comes courtesy of one of my guilty pleasures…Munching on Chili Lime Popcorn at Cineopolis, perhaps with a martini on the side. Shhh….
Have you heard of {or been to} Cineopolis?
If you have, I think you might understand where I’m coming from.
If not, let me fill you in on this luxury movie theatre where 1 ticket will set you back $21.50. Plus extra for the popcorn and martini.
When Cineopolis opened a theatre close to my house a couple of years ago, I said the owners were crazy, and that nobody, including myself, would ever go.
But then your spouse, aka Mr. Spicy, suggests a date night, so you reluctantly say yes to a movie at Cineopolis. And a big ‘ol comfy fully reclining reserved seat. And a martini. And a bucket of the most addictive popcorn you have ever tasted.
This smokey spiced chili lime popcorn is pure {healthy} snack heaven!
And, it makes you so happy, that you forget your vow to never go to Cineopolis ever again.
So….
Long story short, that’s how I came to experiment with making my own version of this delectably healthy treat, and if I do say so myself, I think it’s even better than the original!
Here’s how to make your own, because, sorry, I’m not going to share this time. Just kidding. Maybe.
Disclosure: This recipe contains an Amazon Affiliate link which means I may make a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you make a purchase. Thank you for your support!
Smokey Spiced Chili Lime Popcorn
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels {I used Eden Foods Organic Popcorn Kernels}
- 4 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon ground red cayenne pepper {medium heat}, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice, or to taste
Instructions
- Make popcorn by combining 2 teaspoons olive oil with popcorn, using your favorite method. I used my Westbend Popcorn Maker, but you can also make it on the stovetop, or in the microwave.
- Make spice mixture by combining smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, and sea salt in a small bowl. My mixture had a nice kick, but was not super spicy, so adjust according to your taste.
- Pour popped popcorn into a large bowl or bag, and top with remaining olive oil, lime juice, and spice mixture. Stir, or shake well, until all popcorn is coated with seasonings.
Nutrition
Of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t give you at least a few good reasons you should be snacking on this popcorn…
3 Reasons {This Smokey Spiced Chili Lime} Popcorn is a Healthy Snack
1. Healthy fat {olive oil} + 7 or 10 grams of fiber per serving {depending on what your serving size is} = a satiating snack!
2. Did you know popcorn has more antioxidants than some fruits and vegetables? Yep. It’s true. You can read more about it here. And, nope, I’m not telling you to replace all your daily produce with popcorn. That would be silly.
3. Spices!!! Cumin has been studied for potential cancer prevention, plus it may help with digestion by stimulating pancreatic enzymes. Cayenne Pepper may give your metabolism a boost! Preliminary research suggests corriander my help lower blood sugar levels. And, paprika contains capsaicin {like cayenne} which is under investigation as a potential treatment for prostate cancer, although more research is needed.
[Tweet “Did U know popcorn is rich in antioxidants? Try my Spiced Chili Lime Popcorn for a healthy snack!”]
P.S. This Smokey Spiced Chili Lime Popcorn is gluten-free, vegan, and suitable for a low FODMAP diet.
P.P.S Want more smokey deliciousness? Try my Savory Spiced Pumpkin Hummus for another healthy & delicious snack!
Now go see all the other delicious smokey, spicy things my ReDux friends are cooking up!
Have you tried chili lime popcorn before? What are your favorite ways to cook with smoke and spice? Have you seen any good movies lately? I saw Wild in the theatre, and Gone Girl on DVD, and highly recommend them both!
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CHEERS!
P.S. If you haven’t done so already, be sure and enter my giveaway to win a copy of Slim By Design: Mindless Eating Solutions for Everyday Life by Brian Wansink, and get my 6 Simple Tips for Weight Loss Without Dieting!
Hi There! I’m EA, a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) in sunny San Diego. I create easy, DELICIOUS gluten free recipes & low FODMAP recipes for a wide variety of diets. Learn more about my nutrition philosophy and my nutrition coaching for digestive health, autoimmune disease, wellness nutrition, & vibrant aging. Sign up for my newsletter, or get in touch~I’d love to connect with you!
