Andean Popcorn

I love Andean popcorn. It’s somewhat similar to the popcorn we enjoy here in the states in that it has a fantastic flavor, even a hint of a butter. The kernels, though, are different. They do not explode and puff up like popcorn has been grown to do here. Instead, they kinda… just go… pop. No big explosion. No fluffy white insides. The kernel is thin, and very crunchy. You just pop (no pun intended) the entire thing into your mouth and enjoy.

Andean Popcorn


I recall street vendors up in the mountains of Peru, in the city of Huancayo, selling bags of popcorn along the street on market day. I think a bag was 10 soles which then was less than a US nickel. Well worth the price! They were fried in screaming hot oil then salted. That’s it. You did (and do) have to be careful of the kernels when they first come out of the fryer, though. They are very, very hot. So let them cool a bit before diving in!

I popped the cancha in the same popper I use for ‘regular’ popcorn. It takes a bit longer as the heat needs to get really good and hot, but it’s well worth the wait. If you can’t find cancha in a South American market near you you can order it using the Amazon link at the bottom of this post. It’s great stuff!

Another favorite Peruvian-inspired appetizer of mine is aji amarillo chicken wings.

Andean Popcorn
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5 from 1 vote

Andean Popcorn

I love Andean popcorn. It’s somewhat similar to the popcorn we enjoy here in the states in that it has a fantastic flavor, even a hint of a butter. 
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Peruvian
Keyword Peruvian, popcorn
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 163kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Add the corn and oil to your popcorn popper and let pop until completely done.
  • Remove and immediately add salt. Do not be shy with the salt.
  • Let cool slightly before serving. The kernels will be very hot directly out of the popper.

Nutrition

Calories: 163kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 75mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

White Chocolate Frito Popcorn

Everything that is yummy is in this white chocolate Frito popcorn. Crunchy fresh-popped popcorn. Milk chocolate M&Ms. White chocolate. And Fritos. What more can you ask for? You get a mixture of textures and tastes from very crunchy to salty to sweet and back again. It’s about as varied as you can get in a handleful!

White Chocolate Frito Popcorn

Don’t have Fritos? Substitute shelled peanuts. Need more kick? Try my Sriracha-lime popcorn. This ingredients list for this white chocolate Frito popcorn is just a recommendation. Go crazy with it!

I pop my popcorn in a West Bend 82306 Stir Crazy 6-Quart Electric Popcorn Popper. It’s the easiest thing in the world for making a big batch of popcorn. But, alas, it’s older than dirt. There’s a new model now on Amazon.

White Chocolate Frito Popcorn
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4 from 1 vote

White Chocolate Frito Popcorn

Everything that is yummy is in this white chocolate Frito popcorn. Crunchy fresh-popped popcorn. Milk chocolate M&Ms. White chocolate. And Fritos. What more can you ask for?
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword chocolate, corn chips, popcorn
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 921kcal

Ingredients

  • 8 cups popcorn popped
  • 2 cups Frito’s crushed
  • 1 pound white chocolate or almond bark
  • 4 handfuls M&M’s candies

Instructions

  • Tear off a large sheet of wax paper and place on a flat surface.
  • Make sure all of the popcorn kernels are fully popped. Remove any grannies (unpopped) ones.
  • Place popcorn and Fritos into a large bowl.
  • Melt the white chocolate per package instructions and pour over the popcorn mixture.
  • Stir to coat.
  • Pour mixture out onto the wax paper and spread out evenly.
  • Sprinkle with M&Ms and let cool completely before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 921kcal | Carbohydrates: 155g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 63mg | Potassium: 612mg | Fiber: 21g | Sugar: 35g | Vitamin A: 17IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 121mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Crab Boil Popcorn

I’m a huge fan of crab boil seasoning, and in particular, Old Bay. I use it in a lot things, not just crab boils. As a steak rub. Or on popcorn! Crab boil popcorn is a great snack. It combines fresh popped popcorn, crunchy oyster crackers, and of course, Old Bay seasoning. The result is perfectly-seasoned and perfectly yummy and I ate a whole lot of it!

Crab Boil Popcorn

If you don’t have oyster crackers, you can substitute goldfish crackers and keep the ‘nautical’ theme.

I pop my popcorn in a West Bend 82306 Stir Crazy 6-Quart Electric Popcorn Popper. It’s the easiest thing in the world for making a big batch of popcorn but it’s a classic and hard to find. There’s a newer model available on Amazon.

Also try my yummy red velvet popcorn.

Crab Boil Popcorn
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5 from 1 vote

Crab Boil Popcorn

Crab boil popcorn is a great snack. It combines fresh popped popcorn, crunchy oyster crackers, and of course, Old Bay seasoning. The result is perfectly-seasoned and perfectly yummy and I ate a whole lot of it!
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword popcorn
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 1427kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Melt the butter and stir in the Old Bay seasoning.
  • Combine the popcorn and crackers in a large bowl.
  • Drizzle with butter mixture and stir gently to coat.

Nutrition

Calories: 1427kcal | Carbohydrates: 266g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 331mg | Potassium: 958mg | Fiber: 43g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 269IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 12mg

Nutritional values are approximate.