Traditional Cranberry Relish

🕒 Prep: 5 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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This Traditional Cranberry Relish is that perfect little gem you didn’t know your holiday table was missing. It’s vibrant, zesty, and brings a burst of freshness against the heavier dishes we often enjoy this season.

Ingredients for Traditional Cranberry Relish

Cranberries are the star of this dish, offering a tartness that balances beautifully with sweet and savory dishes.

Granulated sugar sweetens the cranberries, softening their natural tartness and helping to create a syrupy consistency.

Water is used to dissolve the sugar and create the base for the sauce.

Orange zest and juice bring a fresh citrusy note that brightens the relish and complements the cranberries perfectly.

Ground cinnamon adds a warm, spicy undertone that feels just right for the holiday season.

Ground nutmeg enhances the warmth of the cinnamon, giving depth to the flavor profile.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a chunkier relish, use a potato masher to lightly break up the cranberries after they’ve cooked.
  • If you prefer a less sweet relish, start with 3/4 cup of sugar and adjust to taste.
  • Make this relish a day in advance; it tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld.

Serving Suggestions

This cranberry relish is a versatile side. It pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, ham, or even a rich beef roast. It also makes a delicious topping for warm brie or goat cheese, served with crusty bread or crackers for an appetizer that's sure to impress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cranberries?
Absolutely! Just rinse them under cold water to remove any frost before cooking.
How long will the relish keep?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it will keep for up to two weeks.
Can I freeze the relish?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to two months. Just thaw in the fridge before serving.

Traditional Cranberry Relish Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, give those cranberries a good rinse under cold water. Pick out any that look past their prime, and let them drain while you move on to the next step. You want them fresh and plump for maximum flavor.

Grab your medium saucepan and combine the sugar and water. Set it over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves completely. This should only take a couple of minutes, and you’ll know it’s ready when the liquid is clear.

Add the cranberries, along with the orange zest and juice. Give everything a good stir so that the cranberries are coated and ready to soak up that delicious citrus flavor.

Bring the mixture to a boil. Once you see those bubbles, reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes. You'll know it's done when the cranberries start to pop open, releasing their juices and thickening the sauce.

Stir in the cinnamon and nutmeg. These spices add a warm, comforting aroma that makes the relish irresistible. Remove the saucepan from heat and let the relish cool to room temperature.

Transfer the cooled relish to a bowl and pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. This little rest in the fridge lets all those flavors meld beautifully.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Simple and quick to make with only six ingredients.
  • Adds a delightful tang and color to your holiday spread.
  • Perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.
  • Easily made ahead, saving you time on the big day.

Ingredients

12 oz fresh cranberries
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
1 orange, zest and juice
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Rinse and drain the cranberries.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
3. Add the cranberries, orange zest, and orange juice. Stir to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until cranberries burst and sauce thickens.
5. Stir in the cinnamon and nutmeg. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
6. Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.

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