Cranberry Citrus Relish

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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This Cranberry Citrus Relish is a vibrant twist on traditional cranberry sauce, perfect for adding a splash of color and zing to your holiday table. The blend of fresh citrus and warm spices makes it a standout side dish that’s both refreshing and comforting.

Ingredients for Cranberry Citrus Relish

Cranberries are the star of the show, providing that quintessential tartness. Make sure they’re firm and fresh. Sugar balances out the tartness, adding just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering. Orange juice and lemon juice bring a citrusy brightness that complements the cranberries beautifully. The orange zest is like the zingy cherry on top, enhancing the citrus flavor. Ginger adds a subtle spice, while cinnamon and nutmeg provide warmth and depth. A pinch of salt ties all the flavors together.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a smoother texture, gently mash some of the cranberries as they cook.
  • Use a microplane for zesting to get the finest texture and maximum flavor.
  • If you like a bit more spice, add extra ginger or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Serving Suggestions

This relish is fantastic alongside roasted turkey or ham. It also pairs beautifully with creamy cheeses on a charcuterie board. For a simple yet elegant appetizer, spoon it over a block of cream cheese and serve with crackers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, just thaw them first and proceed as you would with fresh cranberries.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Is it possible to make this relish less sweet?
Absolutely, reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup if you prefer a tarter relish.

Cranberry Citrus Relish Recipe Walkthrough

Start by rinsing your cranberries under cold water. This helps to clean them and allows you to sort through, discarding any that are soft or damaged. You want the freshest ones for the best flavor.

Next, grab a medium saucepan and combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and lemon juice. Set it over medium heat and give it a stir. You’ll be at the stove for about 10 minutes, so get comfy. You'll know things are moving along when the sugar dissolves and the cranberries start to pop. It's a little like popcorn, but juicier!

Once your cranberries are doing their popping dance, remove the pan from the heat. Now, it’s time to stir in the orange zest, grated ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. These last additions create a symphony of flavors that make this relish so special.

Let the mixture cool to room temperature. This waiting period is the perfect time to tidy up your workspace. Once cooled, transfer the relish to a serving dish or airtight container. You can serve it right away or pop it in the fridge where it will keep for up to two weeks, and trust me, the flavors only get better with time.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make—just 20 minutes from start to finish.
  • Perfect balance of sweet, tart, and spicy flavors.
  • Make-ahead friendly; flavors develop beautifully in the fridge.
  • Uses fresh, seasonal ingredients you'll find easily during the holidays.

Ingredients

12 oz fresh cranberries
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp orange zest
1 tsp grated ginger
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Rinse the cranberries under cold water and discard any that are soft or damaged.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and lemon juice over medium heat.
3. Cook while stirring until the sugar has dissolved and the cranberries begin to pop, about 10 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the orange zest, grated ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
5. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then transfer to a serving dish or an airtight container.
6. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to two weeks.

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