Classic Cranberry Relish

🕒 Prep: 5 min
🔥 Cook: 15 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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Classic Cranberry Relish is a must-have for your holiday table, adding a refreshing zing that perfectly complements rich, savory dishes. This simple yet vibrant recipe is all about balancing tart, sweet, and spicy flavors, making it a standout side dish.

Ingredients for Classic Cranberry Relish

Cranberries are the star of this dish, providing a tart and tangy flavor that's essential for a classic relish. Make sure to use fresh cranberries for the best texture and taste.

Granulated sugar sweetens the cranberries, balancing their natural tartness without overpowering their bold flavor.

Freshly squeezed orange juice adds a citrusy brightness and works as a liquid base to help cook the cranberries down into a sauce.

Orange zest enhances the citrus flavor, adding a fragrant and slightly bitter edge that complements the sweetness.

Ground cinnamon introduces a warm, cozy spice that rounds out the flavors beautifully.

Ground cloves add depth with their intense, aromatic spice, taking the relish to a whole new level.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you like your relish less sweet, reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup.
  • For a chunkier texture, mash some of the cranberries with a fork instead of letting them all burst.
  • Make this relish a day or two in advance to let the flavors develop even more.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Cranberry Relish pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, or roast chicken. It also works as a delicious topping for warm brie cheese or as a spread on sandwiches. Try it with roasted vegetables for a delightful twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, frozen cranberries work well. Just add them directly to the pan; no need to thaw first.
How long does cranberry relish last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it will last up to 10 days.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure you have a large enough saucepan.

Classic Cranberry Relish Recipe Walkthrough

First, start by giving those fresh cranberries a good rinse under cold water. Drain them well to remove any excess water. This step ensures that your relish won't be too watery.

Next, grab a medium saucepan and combine the rinsed cranberries, granulated sugar, and freshly squeezed orange juice. Stir everything together and set the pan over medium heat.

As the mixture heats up, you'll want to stir it occasionally. You'll notice the cranberries start to burst. This is exactly what you want, as it helps the mixture thicken and meld together. This should take about 15 minutes.

Once the cranberries have burst and the mixture has thickened to your liking, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the orange zest, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves until everything is well combined.

Let the relish cool to room temperature. This allows the flavors to meld even further. Once cooled, transfer it to a container and refrigerate until you're ready to serve.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make with just six ingredients.
  • Perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors.
  • A delightful twist with warm spices and fresh citrus notes.
  • Makes a great make-ahead dish, saving you time on the big day.

Ingredients

12 oz fresh cranberries
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1 tsp orange zest
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp ground cloves

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Rinse and drain cranberries.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and orange juice.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 15 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in orange zest, cinnamon, and cloves.
5. Let the relish cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until ready to serve.

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