Zesty Cranberry-Pineapple Relish
Looking for a vibrant and refreshing twist on a classic holiday side? This Zesty Cranberry-Pineapple Relish brings a burst of tartness and sweetness that will brighten up any spread. Perfect for holiday meals or a simple weeknight dinner, it's a dish that stands out with its unique flavor combination and ease of preparation.
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Ingredients for Zesty Cranberry-Pineapple Relish
Cranberries are the star of this dish, providing that signature tartness and a beautiful ruby-red color. Pineapple adds a juicy sweetness that complements the cranberries perfectly. Granulated sugar helps mellow the tartness of the cranberries, while honey adds depth with its natural sweetness. The lime zest and juice introduce a zesty, citrusy note that ties everything together. A touch of salt enhances all the flavors, and ground cinnamon gives a warm, subtle spice that rounds out the relish.
Zesty Cranberry-Pineapple Relish Tips & Tricks
- Make this relish a day ahead to let the flavors develop even more.
- For a chunkier texture, pulse the cranberries and pineapple less in the food processor.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey to suit your taste.
Serving Ideas for Zesty Cranberry-Pineapple Relish
This relish is a perfect companion for roasted turkey or chicken, adding a bright, fruity contrast. It's equally delicious as a topping for grilled pork chops or as a condiment for a cheese platter. You can even mix it into yogurt for a refreshing breakfast or snack.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
- Yes, you can use canned pineapple, but make sure to drain it well before using to avoid excess liquid in your relish.
- How long will this relish keep?
- Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it should last up to a week.
- Can I freeze the relish?
- Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture, but it should be fine if you don't mind a slightly softer consistency after thawing.
Zesty Cranberry-Pineapple Relish Recipe Walkthrough
Start by preparing your cranberries and pineapple. Toss 12 ounces of fresh cranberries and 1 cup of diced fresh pineapple into your food processor. Pulse them a few times until they are finely chopped but still have some texture. You don’t want a puree; think more of a chunky salsa consistency.
Next, transfer the chopped mixture to a medium saucepan. Add in 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of honey, the zest and juice of 1 lime, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Give everything a good stir to ensure the ingredients are well mixed.
Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture frequently as it cooks, helping the sugar dissolve and preventing anything from sticking to the bottom. You’ll notice the relish starting to thicken as it cooks, which should take about 10 minutes. Once it reaches a consistency you like, remove it from the heat.
Allow the relish to cool to room temperature. This cooling step is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Once cooled, you can either transfer it to a serving dish if you're planning to serve it right away or store it in an airtight container for later.
Why This Zesty Cranberry-Pineapple Relish Works
- Quick and easy to make, no complicated steps.
- A delightful balance of sweet, tart, and citrusy flavors.
- Uses fresh, seasonal ingredients for maximum flavor.
- Versatile dish that pairs well with various main courses.
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 lime, zested and juiced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Step-by-step Instructions
- 1. In a food processor, combine fresh cranberries and diced pineapple, pulsing until finely chopped.
- 2. Transfer the mixture to a medium saucepan, adding granulated sugar, honey, lime zest, lime juice, salt, and ground cinnamon.
- 3. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar dissolves and the relish is slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.
- 4. Allow relish to cool to room temperature, then transfer to a serving dish or store in an airtight container.