Movie-Night Done Right: Fabio's Gourmet Popcorn

For more videos from Chow Ciao!, click here!

Elevate your movie night with Chef Fabio's simple take on flavored popcorn! Layer seasoning at every step of the process for optimum zing! Skip the microwave and the chemicals that come with it!

Culinary Tips:
--While the corn itself is high in dietary fiber and low in fat, microwave popcorn is full of chemicals and artificial flavors. Buy loose kernels to save money and keep things naturally nutritious.
--Pancetta is an Italian cured pork, similar to bacon. Rendering the pancetta fat adds flavor to your popping oil.
--Use melted butter to help the seasoning stick to the popcorn. Season in small batches to avoid over-buttering and creating soggy kernels.
--Leftover seasoning? Cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for another day!



POPCORN WITH PARMESAN AND PANCETTA
Recipe by Fabio Viviani
Yield: 1 big bowl to share

Ingredients:
1/2 cup popcorn kernels
4 oz. pancetta, diced
2 tbsp. olive oil
3 tbsp. butter, melted
½ c. grated Parmesan
2 Tbsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. crushed red pepper
1 tsp. garlic powder
¼ tsp. kosher salt

Method:
Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large heavy-bottomed pot with a lid.
Add diced pancetta and render until golden brown and slightly crisped.
Meanwhile, combine Parmesan cheese, oregano, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder in a small bowl, and set aside.
When the pancetta is ready, drop three kernels into the oil, and wait for them to pop.
Once the test kernels pop, remove the pot from the heat, stir in the popcorn and shake gently, to coat in oil and pancetta.
Place popcorn back over medium high heat and cover with lid.
Shake the pot until there are several seconds between each pop.
Remove from heat, and remove the lid carefully: there will be steam.
To season, pour half of the popcorn into a large bowl. Drizzle with half of the melted butter and half of the seasoning blend, and then toss to coat. Repeat with the remaining popcorn, butter, and seasoning.
Serve hot.

MANGIA!

Like this dish? Check out these other great PARTY NIGHT recipes from Chow Ciao!
Fabio's Hot Wings
French Dip
Ultimate Homemade Pizza