Planning your next movie night? This easy masala popcorn recipe is exactly what you need! Crunchy and flavorful, it’s an irresistible snack.
When making stovetop popcorn, the kernels reach an even temperature before popping, so almost every kernel pops at the same time and nothing burns. You get to customize your popcorn with flavors and spices you like! Tip: It’s important to use an oil with a high smoke point for perfect stovetop masala popcorn. I used canola oil for this recipe.
Fair warning – this stuff is seriously addictive. Salty, spicy, crunchy, and a hint of sweetness, it will ruin any love of bagged popcorn. Homemade Masala Popcorn is crunchier, more flavorful, and SO simple to make.
Masala Popcorn + HBO Max
Movie night and popcorn go hand in hand, that’s why I’m partnering with HBO Max, the premium streaming platform that bundles all of HBO TV favorites, blockbuster movies, and new Max Originals to share a delicious Masala Popcorn recipe and a round up of some of my favorite picks.
During this month of May, HBO Max has been shining a light on AAPI creators, storytellers, and artists; celebrating their achievements and contributions to the entertainment industry in honor of AAtPI Heritage Month.
I love seeing familiar faces and diverse movies hit mainstream platforms. It makes me feel seen and there is always the hope that we continue to see authentic AAPI representation in the television and film industry and beyond.
Here are four of my favorites from HBO Max’s AAPI Month lineup:
Life of Pi
Life of Pi is an intense, emotional story of survival and triumph against the odds, with themes of faith, friendship, and perseverance. This must watch is rated PG, which makes it perfect for family movie night. For adventure seekers there are scenes of storms, shipwrecks, and threatening zoo animals threatening. Pi is in constant danger throughout the story and after losing his whole family, he must figure out sharing a very small space with a large, unpredictable tiger. Through it all, he remains determined and optimistic, relying on his strong faith to see him through every challenge he must face.
The Namesake
The Namesake is a beautiful film that weaves together the life of father & son and their journey through life. There are few films that accurately capture the struggles of being a first-generation immigrant in the US. The Namesake contrasts the traditional Indian life vs. American values. It’s a movie about family and one’s own identity in the world.
It’s easy to become invested in every character. The father, sometimes misunderstood, only wants the best for his family. The son, played by Kal Penn feels frustrated with why he is “different.” And for many of us we see our own mothers in the mothers character as she she gives up her old life for a new one in a foreign country.
The Namesake is an emotional and beautiful film that blends cultures. It’s PG-13 rating makes it great for families with older teens.
Ravi Patel’s Pursuit of Happiness
This docu-series follows Ravi Patel around the world. Throughout his journey on the show, Patel is joined by a family member or friend, as he tackles internal conflicts and/or questions about life. He goes to Mexico with his parents to discuss retirement and aging. Many of us can see our parents in his parents as it becomes clear that parents never really “retire. His wife and him visit Japan to explore parenting and gender roles. In Korea he’s accompanied by his entrepreneur friend to understand issues with work life balance. The season ends with a trip to Denmark with his Muslim friend to explore the immigration crisis there and in America. There’s a continuous theme of wanting to learn and grow and the series offers a look at Ravi’s personal struggles and the comparison of social norms around the world.
I love watching shows like these with my husband once our daughter falls asleep.
Meet the Patels
This documentary style movie features Ravi Patel, an Indian-American actor on the verge of turning 30 who’s parents and extended family are trying to find him a wife. The movie explores Indian culture, how traditional “arranged marriages” are practiced today, and how such arrangements contrast with American approaches to dating, romance, and the search for a life partner. Ravi is often frustrated with his parents, his extended family, and how traditional Indian culture clashes with his American upbringing. The documentary ultimately shows a love and appreciation for Indian culture and tradition. Watch this before “Ravi Patel’s Pursuit of Happiness”.
Make some masala popcorn for movie night and check out all these movies + more on HBO Max, sign up using this link.
- 3 tablespoon oil
- ⅓ cup popcorn kernels
- 2 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon tandoori masala
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon chaat masala
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Add the oil and two kernels to a heavy bottom pan. Place the lid on top and turn the heat onto high. Wait for the kernels to pop.
- Once the kernels have popped, remove them from the pot.
- Remove the pan from the heat, add the rest of the kernels, shake the pan by moving it back and forth, coating all the kernels and put the lid back on.
- Return to heat and once the kernels begin to pop rapidly, open the lid slightly allowing excess steam to escape.
- When the popping slows to a few seconds between pops, turn off the heat. Wait a few extra seconds for the last few pops, then remove the lid completely.
- In a small bowl combine the melted butter with the masalas, sugar, and salt. Mix and drizzle on the popcorn.
- Cover the popcorn with a lid and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds
- Serve in a large bowl and enjoy!
Enjoy,
