Zesty Orange Ginger Cranberry Sauce

🕒 Prep: 5 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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Welcome to the vibrant world of homemade cranberry sauce! This Zesty Orange Ginger Cranberry Sauce is a delightful twist on the traditional, combining zesty citrus and spicy ginger for a fresh take that's perfect for the holidays or any time you want to elevate your meal.

Ingredients for Zesty Orange Ginger Cranberry Sauce

The star of our show is, of course, the cranberries. These little gems are tart and full of character, providing the base for our sauce. Granulated sugar sweetens the deal, balancing out the tanginess of the cranberries. Freshly squeezed orange juice adds a citrusy brightness, while a bit of orange zest brings an aromatic depth. Grated ginger introduces a subtle warmth and spice, pairing beautifully with the fruitiness. A touch of ground cinnamon enhances the holiday vibe, and a pinch of salt ties all the flavors together. Finally, a little water helps everything meld into a cohesive sauce.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you prefer a smoother sauce, use a potato masher to lightly crush the cranberries while they simmer.
  • For a more pronounced ginger flavor, increase the ginger to 1.5 teaspoons.
  • Make this sauce a day ahead to give the flavors time to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

This cranberry sauce is a fantastic accompaniment to roast turkey or chicken, adding a burst of color and flavor. It also pairs wonderfully with pork chops or a rich, creamy brie. For a fun twist, try it as a topping on your morning toast or swirl it into yogurt for a zesty breakfast treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, you can substitute fresh cranberries with frozen ones. No need to thaw them; just add a few extra minutes to the simmering time.
How long does this sauce keep?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this sauce will keep for up to a week.
Can I make this sauce sugar-free?
Absolutely! Try using a sugar substitute like Stevia or erythritol, adjusting to taste.

Zesty Orange Ginger Cranberry Sauce Recipe Walkthrough

Start by giving your cranberries a quick rinse under cold water, picking out any that look a bit worse for wear. This step ensures your sauce is made with only the best berries. Next, grab a medium saucepan and combine the sugar, orange juice, orange zest, grated ginger, cinnamon, salt, and water. Stir them together and set the pan over medium heat.

As the mixture heats, make sure to stir it occasionally. This helps the sugar dissolve nicely and prevents it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Once the mixture reaches a boil, it's time to add those cranberries. Toss them in and let the whole thing return to a boil.

After it’s bubbling away, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. You'll want to see the cranberries burst open and the sauce thicken up. Once that happens, remove the pan from the heat. Let the sauce cool to room temperature before serving or storing it in the fridge.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Bright and tangy flavors that pop with freshness.
  • Simple to make with just a handful of ingredients.
  • Perfect balance of sweet and tart, thanks to the fresh cranberries.
  • Great for making ahead, saving you time during busy gatherings.
  • Adds a splash of color to your table.

Ingredients

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

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Rinse cranberries under cold water and pick out any damaged ones.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, orange juice, orange zest, grated ginger, cinnamon, salt, and water.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
4. Add the cranberries and return to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
6. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature before serving or storing.

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