Maputi (Zimbabwean Sweet Popcorn Snack)

6 servings5 min prep10 min cookEasy Zimbabwe

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The Story Behind It

The Tale of Maputi (Zimbabwean Sweet Popcorn Snack)

Maputi, sweetened popped corn, is part of Zimbabwe's tradition of maize-based street snacks; maize itself arrived in southern Africa through Portuguese trade routes centuries ago and became the region's dominant grain. Maputi remains a popular everyday treat with no documented single inventor.

Ingredients

Scale:· 6 servings
  • 1 cup dried maize kernels (popping corn)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp butter, melted (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

  1. 1Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy pot with a lid over medium-high heat.
  2. 2Add a few maize kernels first to test the oil temperature; once they pop, add the remaining kernels in an even layer.
  3. 3Cover the pot and shake occasionally as the kernels pop, keeping the lid slightly ajar to let steam escape.
  4. 4Continue cooking until the popping slows to a few seconds between pops, then remove from heat immediately to avoid burning.
  5. 5Sprinkle the hot popcorn with sugar and salt, tossing well to coat evenly while still warm so the sugar can stick or slightly melt.
  6. 6Let cool briefly before serving as a snack.

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