Homemade Super Crunchy Salted Stovetop Popcorn

Start by heating the oil in a medium-sized pot over medium heat.

Add 2-3 popcorn kernels into the pot and cover it.

Once the kernels pop, remove them from the pot. This step is to ensure that the oil has heated enough to pop the rest of the popcorn.

Pour the rest of the popcorn kernels into the pot and cover it.

Shake the pot continually to ensure even heat distribution and to prevent the kernels from getting burnt.

When the popping sound slows down to about one pop every few seconds, turn off the heat.

Let the pot sit for a minute to make sure all the popcorn has been popped.

Uncover the pot and let the popcorn cool.

Sprinkle salt over the popcorn and drizzle melted butter, if using. Toss well to combine.

Serve warm.