Cranberry orange relish is like a festive party in your mouth, bursting with vibrant colors and zesty flavors. Imagine the sweet-tart dance of fresh cranberries mingling with zesty oranges, creating a vibrant melody that sings through your taste buds.
This delightful condiment instantly transforms a mundane meal into a gourmet experience. Whether it graces your Thanksgiving table or adds cheer to a summer barbecue, it brings joy and excitement to every occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This cranberry orange relish is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy cooks
- Its bold flavor profile elevates any dish while adding stunning visual appeal
- You can customize sweetness and spice levels to suit your taste
- Ideal for holiday feasts or everyday meals, it’s versatile enough for any occasion
Every time I make this cranberry orange relish, my family’s eyes light up like fireworks on the Fourth of July.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Fresh Cranberries: Look for bright-red, plump berries; they should be firm and free from blemishes.
Oranges: Juicy and sweet oranges are essential; zesting adds extra zing to the relish.
Sugar: Adjust the sweetness based on your preference; granulated sugar works best here.
Water: A splash of water helps cook down the cranberries to create that luscious sauce.
Cinnamon Stick: A small piece adds warmth and depth without overpowering the other flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Rinse the fresh cranberries under cold water, discarding any soft or damaged ones. Zest one orange using a microplane grater for that fragrant burst of citrus flavor.
Cook the Cranberries: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, sugar, water, and cinnamon stick. Stir occasionally until cranberries begin to pop and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Oranges and Simmer: Once cranberries burst open like confetti at a parade, stir in the orange zest and juice. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes until thickened slightly, stirring gently to avoid splashes.
Cool Down Time: Remove from heat and let your cranberry orange relish cool in the saucepan. The flavors will deepen as it cools—don’t rush this step!
Serve It Up!: Transfer to a serving bowl once cooled. You can enjoy it immediately or refrigerate to allow flavors to meld even more overnight—if you can resist!
This cranberry orange relish is sure to impress family and friends alike with its fresh flavors and vibrant colors. Enjoy!
You Must Know
- This delightful cranberry orange relish is not only refreshing, but it also brings a burst of color to your holiday table
- Its zesty flavor pairs beautifully with turkey, making it a must-have for festive meals
- The blend of tart cranberries and sweet oranges creates a delightful balance that will impress your guests
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by rinsing the cranberries thoroughly and remove any stems or bad berries. Next, combine them with orange zest and juice in a pot over medium heat. Cook until the cranberries pop, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with add-ins like chopped apples, walnuts, or even a splash of Grand Marnier for an adult twist. You can also adjust the sweetness using more or less sugar based on your taste preferences.
Storing & Reheating
Store your cranberry orange relish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. If you want to enjoy it warm, gently reheat it on the stove while stirring occasionally to maintain its texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the perfect consistency, let your relish cool before storing it
- Avoid overcooking; you want some whole cranberries intact for texture
- Always taste before serving; adjusting sweetness can make all the difference!
Sharing a memorable moment when my family first tasted this dish during Thanksgiving made my heart swell with joy as they raved about how it perfectly complemented the turkey.
FAQ
Can I make cranberry orange relish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This relish tastes even better after a day in the fridge as flavors meld beautifully.
What can I serve with cranberry orange relish?
This relish pairs wonderfully with turkey, ham, or even as a topping for cream cheese on crackers.
How long does cranberry orange relish last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, it lasts up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
Cranberry Orange Relish
Cranberry orange relish is a vibrant, zesty condiment that adds a burst of flavor and color to any dish. This easy-to-make relish blends the sweet-tart notes of fresh cranberries with juicy oranges, creating a delightful balance that enhances holiday meals or everyday feasts. Perfect for Thanksgiving tables or summer barbecues, this relish is sure to impress your family and friends.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: About 8 servings 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 1 medium orange (zest and juice)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick
Instructions
- Rinse cranberries under cold water, discarding damaged ones. Zest and juice the orange.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, sugar, water, and cinnamon stick. Stir occasionally until cranberries pop (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add orange zest and juice; simmer for another 10 minutes until thickened, stirring gently.
- Remove from heat and let cool in the saucepan to develop flavors.
- Transfer to a serving bowl; refrigerate overnight for enhanced taste if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup (60g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
