Cranberry sauce, a classic accompaniment to holiday feasts, brings a burst of tartness and sweetness to the table. Originating from Native American traditions, this vibrant sauce has become a staple in Thanksgiving and Christmas meals around the world.

Despite its simplicity, crafting the perfect cranberry sauce requires just the right balance of sweetness and tanginess, making it a delightful addition to any meal.

While some may find the prospect of making cranberry sauce daunting, fear not! This recipe is wonderfully straightforward, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort.

With fresh cranberries, a hint of citrus, and a touch of sweetness, you’ll create a sauce that perfectly complements roasted meats, turkey, or even as a topping for desserts.

Expert Tip: Don’t forget to zest the orange before juicing it; the zest adds a punch of citrus flavor to the sauce.

Ingredients

Cranberries: Bursting with tart flavor and vibrant color, cranberries are the star of this sauce. Their natural acidity adds a delightful tanginess that balances the sweetness of the dish.

Sugar: Sweetness is essential to mellow out the tartness of the cranberries, creating a harmonious balance of flavors in the sauce.

Orange: Both the zest and juice of an orange contribute citrusy brightness to the cranberry sauce, enhancing its complexity and depth of flavor.

Expert Tip: Experiment with adding spices like cinnamon, cloves, or ginger for a unique flavor twist.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside roasted turkey or chicken for a classic holiday meal.
• Spread on sandwiches or wraps for a flavorful twist.
• Dollop onto pancakes, waffles, or yogurt for a festive breakfast treat.
• Use as a topping for cheesecake or ice cream for a delightful dessert.

Expert Tip: For a thicker sauce, simmer the cranberries for a longer duration until the desired consistency is achieved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen cranberries can be used as a substitute for fresh ones. Just be sure to thaw them before using in the recipe.

How long does homemade cranberry sauce last?

Homemade cranberry sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.

Can I adjust the sweetness of the cranberry sauce?

Absolutely! Taste the sauce as it cooks and adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar if needed.

Can I make cranberry sauce ahead of time?

Yes, cranberry sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Is it necessary to cool the cranberry sauce before serving?

Allowing the cranberry sauce to cool helps it thicken and allows the flavors to meld together. It’s best served chilled or at room temperature.

Check Out These Other Recipes

Here are some more recipes for you to enjoy! If you my recipes don’t forget to rate and leave a comment.

• Garlic Butter Sauce
• Tartare Sauce
• Honey Mustard Sauce
• Tzatziki Sauce
• Burger Sauce

If you have any recipe suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask me. A great way to stay in contact with me is through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag me @CookwithNabeela in your recipe photos!

Cranberry Sauce

by Nabeela Kauser

Discover the joys of making your own cranberry sauce at home. It’s easier than you might think and offers endless possibilities for customisation. Perfect for elevating your festive feasts or for everyday indulgence.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Sauces & Dips

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 120 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 250 g Cranberries
• ▢ 150 g Sugar
• ▢ 120 ml Water
• ▢ 1 Orange Zested and juiced

Instructions

• Rinse the cranberries thoroughly under cold water and remove any stems or blemished berries.
• In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, water, and the zest and juice of one orange.
• Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
• Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally during this process.
• Taste the cranberry sauce and adjust the sweetness if needed by adding more sugar, a tablespoon at a time, and stirring until it’s dissolved.
• Once the cranberry sauce reaches your desired thickness and sweetness, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
• Transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving dish or a jar if you plan to store it. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
• Allow the cranberry sauce to cool completely before serving. You can refrigerate it for a few hours before serving for an even thicker consistency.

Notes

This cranberry sauce pairs well with turkey, chicken, or even as a topping for desserts like cheesecake or ice cream.

You can make this cranberry sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use a blender or food processor to puree the sauce before cooling.

Adjust the sweetness to your taste by adding more or less sugar.

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done so merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 0.3gFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 2mgPotassium: 54mgFibre: 2gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 45IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 0.1mg

Keyword Christmas, Dips, Food, Fruit, Recipe, Sauces

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