Name: How to make Parched Corn
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 2-4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1-2 Tablespoons oil, Unsalted Butter or Lard; 300 grams Dried corn; Salt Or Sugar to taste

Close up shot of Parched Corn in brown background

We are all familiar with roasted, grilled, boiled, steamed, and popped corn, but have you ever had dried corn? Parched corn or Corn Nuts is a snack that uses dried corn kernels and toasts them in a pan until they are puffed up and golden brown. These kernels come from corn that’s been dried on the cob, removed, and then used for parching.

Popping corn is a specific variety of "Zae mays" that pops open when cooked to give us the iconic white fluffy snack treat. Some of the most flavorful varieties of corn for parching are Hot Pink, Parching Lavender Mandan, Parching Red Mandan, Hopi Chinmark, Aztec Red, Supal Red, Parching Black Cherry and Parching Magenta.

Parched corn can be made sweet or salty and is eaten like nuts or seeds. This recipe will show you how to make Parched Corn to add to your home snack collection.

#Gluten Free #Lacto Vegetarian #Stir Fry #Healthy Snacks and Appetizers

You'll love this recipe because it’s a quick and easy snack that’s naturally gluten-free, lactose-vegetarian, and healthy. It's a versatile treat that can be flavored sweet or savory, making it a perfect addition to your homemade snack repertoire.

Use a cast iron skillet for even heating and better toasting.
Keep stirring the corn to prevent burning and ensure an even golden color.
For extra flavor, experiment with seasoning variations such as smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or cinnamon sugar.

Parched corn makes for an excellent snack on its own, but it can also be served alongside mixed nuts for added texture. You can toss it into trail mix, serve it as a crunchy topping for salads or soups, or enjoy it with a cold beverage during movie nights. For a sweeter option, pair it with dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for a balanced snack.

You can swap the oil for ghee or coconut oil for a different flavor profile.
Try adding different seasonings like garlic powder or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
For a sweet treat, sprinkle sugar or drizzle honey over the toasted corn.

Store any leftover parched corn in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay crunchy for up to a week, making it a convenient snack to have on hand.

Air Tight Container Bowl

Large Cast Iron Skillet

Stainless Steel Measuring Cups

Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons

Wooden Spoon

Dried corn kernels: These puff up and turn crunchy, perfect for snacking.
Oil, butter, or lard: Just a small amount is needed to lightly coat the pan and help with toasting.
Salt or sugar: Adds a finishing touch of flavor depending on your preference for sweet or savory snacks.

How long will parched corn stay fresh?

Parched corn will stay crunchy for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Can I add flavors to parched corn?

Yes, you can add flavors like smoked paprika, garlic powder, or even cinnamon and sugar to make it sweet or savory.

Is parched corn gluten-free?

Yes, parched corn is naturally gluten-free, making it a great snack option for those with gluten sensitivities.

Author: Rachael Ottier Hart

Total rating includes sum of all comments and anonymous votes.

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Time & Serves

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

10 mins

Total Time

15 mins

Serves

2-4

Ingredients

1-2 Tablespoons oil, Unsalted Butter or Lard
300 grams Dried corn
Salt Or Sugar to taste

Instructions

Using a cast iron pan or large deep skillet, evenly coat the inside of the pan with some oil, then place on medium heat. The oil should only be a coating for the pan, NOT for submerging the corn in oil.

Once the pan is hot, add the dried corn in a single layer with all the pieces lying on the bottom evenly, not on top of another.

Scatter some salt over the corn and let the corn toast until they start to pop or jump in the pan, then gently toss and stir the corn every minute. You can cover the pan to prevent the corn from jumping out; make sure you stir more often as the cover will create more heat.

The corn parches should begin to inflate and turn golden brown if they start to burn; remove from the heat for a few minutes, then return it to the heat at a lower temperature.

Parch the corn for 5-10 minutes, but when they are all turning golden, remove one kernel and test to see if it’s puffed and soft but crunchy, then it’s ready.

Once the corn is ready, you can season or sweeten the corn by mixing it into the corn while still in the pan, then remove it from the heat and allow it to cool.

Remove the cooled parched corn from the pan and place it in a jar, bottle, or any airtight container. Keep in the pantry to avoid moisture.

Serve as you would any nuts, seeds, or popped corn as a snack or use in homemade trail mix and enjoy.

Nutrition Disclosure