Learn how to make popped sorghum with this simple tutorial. Then put the tiny popped kernels to use in this simple, yet incredibly flavorful spiced snack recipe.
Sorghum is one of those grains that’s often overlooked, but I envision a future — much like quinoa’s — that’s very bright. A powerhouse in the whole-grain world, sorghum is a good source of dietary fiber and iron in addition to various vitamins and minerals. It’s similar in size to Israeli couscous and can be used in place of it in most recipes. It’s a hearty gluten-free grain, which makes it a great alternative for barley or farro and takes about an hour to cook. Nutty with just a touch of sweetness, sorghum is incredibly versatile in the kitchen.
Four ways to cook with sorghum:
Historically, sorghum has most notably been used for livestock feed but it offers so much to a home cook as well. Check out some ideas below.
- Sorghum flour – use it as an addition or replacement for whole-wheat flour in baked goods. Such as this .
- Breads
- Bars
- Muffins
- Cookies
- Sorghum syrup – use as a sweetener in recipes like you would with honey or maple syrup. Like these Honey Roasted Figsor this Grapefruit Cardamom Vinaigrette.
- Nut butters
- Sweetened butters for spreading on baked goods
- Baked goods
- Desserts (i.e. bars, ice cream, glazes)
- Cooked sorghum – use in a pilaf or grain salad, such as this Herbed Farro Salador this Grilled Vegetable Salad.
- Salads
- Soups
- Popped sorghum or “Sorghum Popcorn” – a great snack, other than a difference in size, it’s almost identical to popcorn.
Want more sorghum? Check out these sorghum recipes from Zestful Kitchen!
How to cook sorghum grain:
For standard cooking, combine 3 cups water with 1 cup dry sorghum in a potand bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 50–60 minutes until soft and chewy. Makes about 2½ cups.
So you can probably tell by now that my favorite way to enjoy sorghum is popped. Yes, popped. It’s nearly identical to popcorn in taste and textureand is about ⅓–½ the size of a popped kernel of corn. Also known asjowar dhani, popped sorghum is a popular snack in India. It’s fun, it’s different, and it’s cute, so I’m on board.
This recipe tossesthe popped sorghum with a mixture of spices thatjustmight remind you of Dorito dust. Looking at the list of spices may not convince you, but trust me, it’s magical. The particular spice mix used here is inspired by a similar version my sister makesfor popcorn. The most important part is the nutritional yeast, it adds that signature “cheesy” flavor.
Spiced Sorghum “Popcorn”
★★★★★5 from 1 review
- Author: Lauren Grant of Zestful Kitchen
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Yield: 3 cups 1x
Description
This sorghum “popcorn” is a fun alternative to classic popcorn. Miniature in size, these tiny kernels are fiber-rich fun treat!
½ cup sorghhum, divided
1 teaspoon nutritional yeast
½ teaspoon spanish paprika
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon hot chili powder
Cooking spray
Instructions
Heat a heavy stainless steel pot, fitted with a lid, over medium-high until pot is hot. Add ¼ cup sorghum, cover, and shake often. Listen closely to hear it pop, when the popping slows and there’s 10 seconds between pops, remove from heat, uncover, and transfer to a large bowl. Repeat with remaining ¼ cup sorghum.
Mix together nutritional yeast, paprika, salt, garlic powder, and chili powder. Spray popped sorghum with cooking spray, add seasonings and toss, repeat spraying, seasoning, and tossing once more until coated.
Notes
Shake the pot often to avoid burning and be sure to listen closely as the popping slows the popped sorghum can burn quickly!
If you have a large stainless steel pot, feel free to cook the whole ½ cup at once, but I find that cooking in a smaller pan, ¼ cup at a time allows me to better control the cooking and avoid burning.
Plus, cooking in batches isn’t a big deal because the whole process goes quickly!
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About The Author
Lauren Grant is a professional culinary food scientist, food writer, recipe developer, and food photographer. Lauren is a previous magazine editor and test kitchen developer and has had work published in major national publications including Diabetic Living Magazine, Midwest Living Magazine, Cuisine at Home Magazine, EatingWell.com, AmericasTestKitchen.com, and more.
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