Classic Cranberry Orange Relish
Cranberry Orange Relish is a vibrant, zesty side dish that's perfect for holiday tables or any time you want a fresh burst of flavor. With just a handful of ingredients, this relish is a simple yet delightful way to add a pop of color and zing to your meal.
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Ingredients for Classic Cranberry Orange Relish
Cranberries provide the tart and tangy base for this relish, bursting with natural flavor as they cook. Granulated sugar balances the cranberries' tartness, creating a harmonious sweet-tart taste. Orange juice adds a bright citrus note, enhancing the overall freshness. Orange zest intensifies the citrus aroma and flavor, making the relish more fragrant. A touch of ground cinnamon brings a warm, spicy undertone that complements the other flavors. Finally, a bit of water helps blend the ingredients, ensuring a smooth cooking process.
Classic Cranberry Orange Relish Tips & Tricks
- For a thicker consistency, simmer the relish a few extra minutes until it reaches your desired thickness.
- Use a microplane to zest the orange for finer, more flavorful zest.
- If you like a chunkier relish, lightly mash some of the cranberries with a fork as they cook.
Serving Ideas for Classic Cranberry Orange Relish
Cranberry Orange Relish pairs beautifully with roast turkey or chicken, making it an ideal Thanksgiving or holiday side. It's also delicious spread on sandwiches or served alongside cheese and crackers for a festive appetizer.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen cranberries?
- Yes, you can! Just rinse them under cold water before using, and they’ll work just as well as fresh.
- How long does this relish keep?
- Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it will keep for up to a week.
Classic Cranberry Orange Relish Recipe Walkthrough
Start by giving the cranberries a good rinse under cold water, then drain them well. This step ensures any debris or unwanted bits are washed away. Next, grab a medium saucepan and combine the cranberries with the sugar, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, and water. Stir everything together gently, making sure the sugar is well distributed.
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. You'll notice the cranberries start to burst, and the sauce will thicken beautifully.
After 10 minutes, take the saucepan off the heat and let the relish cool down to room temperature. This cooling period allows the flavors to meld together nicely. Once it's cooled, your relish is ready to serve or store for later.
Why This Classic Cranberry Orange Relish Works
- Quick and easy to prepare, ready in under 30 minutes.
- Perfect balance of tart and sweet, with a hint of spice.
- Uses fresh, seasonal ingredients that are easy to find.
- Versatile enough to pair with a variety of dishes.
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup water
Step-by-step Instructions
- 1. Rinse the cranberries under cold water and drain.
- 2. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, and water.
- 3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
- 4. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
- 5. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature before serving.