By The ISFA work continues — another kitchen table this week, another young family with numbers that might work. I sat across from a couple in Black Hawk County and laid out the grants and watched their faces change from fear to possibility, and the change is the thing I live for now.
I made watermelon feta salad this week — the summer version, the one that fills the kitchen with the smell that means this time of year, this stage of life, this specific Tuesday when the stove is warm and the family is fed and the feeding is the point. Kevin ate seconds. The man always eats seconds. The eating is the approval and the approval is the marriage.
The garden at peak production — tomatoes by the bushel, corn taller than Jack (which is saying something now, the boy is tall), peppers in every color, the zucchini in its annual attempt to conquer the neighborhood. I've left three on the neighbors' porch. They know. Everyone knows. The zucchini phase is endured, not discussed.
With corn taller than Jack in the garden and the whole neighborhood drowning in zucchini, I wanted something that honored the season without adding another hour at the stove — something that said “corn” in a different way, something we could all stand around and eat with our hands while Kevin inevitably went back for more. This savory popcorn seasoning has become my answer to peak-summer evenings: quick to make, deeply satisfying, and just the right kind of simple after a week of big feelings at kitchen tables that weren’t mine.
Savory Popcorn Seasoning
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 5 minutes | Servings: 8 (about 1 teaspoon per serving)
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutritional yeast (optional, adds savory depth)
Instructions
- Combine the spices. In a small bowl, whisk together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, thyme, parsley, cayenne, black pepper, and nutritional yeast (if using) until fully blended.
- Store or use immediately. Transfer to a small jar or airtight container. The blend keeps at room temperature for up to 3 months.
- Season your popcorn. Pop 8–10 cups of popcorn using your preferred method (stovetop, air popper, or microwave). While still warm, drizzle lightly with melted butter or olive oil, then sprinkle seasoning generously and toss well to coat.
- Taste and adjust. Add more salt or cayenne to your liking. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 8 | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Carbs: 2g | Fiber: 0g | Sodium: 290mg