POPCORN! You didn’t think you could have this, did you?

This is just cauliflower, but it looks like popcorn if you squint!

March 19, 2018

It’s Keto “popcorn!”

Why?: Why not is the question! We thought it would be fun to make a low carb popcorn alternative. Especially for all you Netflix bingers out there! This is to have while sitting by the couch while watching your favorite show(s). Popcorn is the ultimate party snack accessory and unfortunately, real popcorn is NOT keto friendly.

We tried a low carb imposter and created our own recipe just so we could have a fried option! (gouda vs. fried cauliflower)

The nominees for best faux “popcorn” imitators are:

Gouda cheese “popcorn"
Fried cauliflower “popcorn”

All of the recipes are Stupid Simple of course, but which one do we like better? Scroll to the bottom of this post to find out! We didn’t want to have any spoilers up here.

The gouda cheese “popcorn” recipe is simple (you just slice the cheese into small squares) BUT you have to leave the cheese pieces out for 48 hours to air dry before you can bake them. Planning ahead is crucial for the gouda cheese option.

The fried cauliflower “popcorn” option is our own spin on this keto friendly snack. We battered the florets in egg and dredged in almond flour and then fried to a crispy golden color.

Gouda Cheese “Popcorn”

Ingredients:

1 cup or 3.5 oz of hard cheese like gouda

Directions:

Step 1 - Cut the gouda and cut in to small pieces. We cut the pieces into approx 1/2” x 1/2” and about 1/4” in thickness.

Step 2 - Place pieces on a piece of parchment paper lined baking sheet then cover with paper towel.

Step 3 - Leave out on counter for at least 48 hrs to dry.

Step 4 - After 48 hours, preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Step 5 - Bake for approximately 3-5 mins.

Step 6 - Let cool for a few minutes.

Serve and enjoy!

Macros breakdown:

Macros breakdown brought to you by Stupid Simple Keto

Deep fried cauliflower "popcorn"

Helpful kitchen tools: Presto Deep Fryer

Ingredients:

1 heaping cup of small popcorn sized cauliflower florets (about 8 oz)

2 cups MCT or peanut oil

2 eggs beaten

½ cup almond flour

½ tsp. sea salt

2 tbsp. butter

Directions:

Step 1 - Pick through cauliflower florets to sort for the right popcorn sized pieces. Add cauliflower florets to a colander and rinse well. Shake in colander to dry and also pat dry with a paper towel

Step 2 - Pour oil in to large pot and set to medium high

Step 3 - Beat the eggs in a bowl. Add the almond flour and half the sea salt to another bowl and blend together

Step 4 - Add about half of the florets to the egg mixture and make sure all florets are covered in mixture. With a fork, transfer the egg coated florets to the almond flour mixture and coat well with the flour. With a clean fork transfer the flour coated florets to a clean plate to rest. Repeat the same process for the remainder of the cauliflower florets. Once all florets are coated and the oil is has reached the temperature of medium high, its frying time!

Step 5 - Carefully add the coated florets to hot oil being careful not to overcrowd and splatter yourself. Fry florets until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove cooked florets with a slotted spoon and set them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil

Step 6 - Melt the butter in a microwave safe bowl for about 30 seconds. Put cooked popcorn florets into a bowl and drizzle with melted butter and remainder of sea salt

Serve and enjoy!

Macros breakdown:

*Use MCT Oil, or peanut oil to be even more keto friendly!

In conclusion:

We really wanted to like the simple gouda cheese “popcorn” but it doesn’t look anything like popcorn, nor does it taste anything like it! It probably is the most tasty option, but we don’t think will be gobbling it up by the handful as it is a very rich flavor! The fried cauliflower “popcorn” option satisfied our texture and taste buds and it can be seasoned any which you we like! Our own fried cauliflower “popcorn” version is the winner!