Pour a thin layer of oil in the bottom a steel or copper pot. Corn or canola oil works well. Add a few kernels of dried corn to the pot. Turn on the heat and wait until the few kernels pop
Add the remaining dried corn kernels to the hot oil. The internal pressure of the corn must be maximized, which causes the corn to explode.
Place a lid on the pot and shake it lightly over the fire. The heat should be turned up almost all the way. While you are waiting for the corn to pop, shake the pot a few seconds and then let the pot sit on the fire a few seconds. This is a good way to collect heat.
Shake the pot continuously once the rapid popping begins. The popping will build up, and then slow down. Keep the pot moving so the popcorn doesn't burn from the heat.
Remove the pot from the stove when the popping dies down to just a few pops in five seconds. Place the pot on a potholder, never on wood, as it will be extremely hot. Continue shaking the popcorn to avoid burning. Pour the popped corn into a bowl.