Indian Popcorn

• FAST
• HEALTHY
• MAKE-AHEAD
• STAFF-FAVORITE
• VEGETARIAN

Ingredients

1. 1/3 cup vegetable oil
2. 4 medium shallots, very thinly sliced
3. 2 serrano chiles, very thinly sliced
4. 1 1/2 teaspoons mild curry powder
5. 1 teaspoon nigella seeds (also sold as black onion seeds)
6. 3/4 cup popcorn kernels
7. Kosher salt

1. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil. Add the shallots and chiles and fry over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until they are golden, about 4 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer the fried shallots and chiles to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
2. In the same pot, cook the curry powder and nigella seeds over moderate heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the popcorn kernels and cover. Cook, shaking the pan every 30 seconds, until the kernels have stopped popping, about 8 minutes. Season the popcorn with salt and transfer to a bowl. Sprinkle the popcorn with the shallots and chiles and serve.