Forget bland, boring cranberry sauces from a can! This gourmet Cranberry Sauce with Pearl Onions and Golden Raisins is about to transform your holiday dining experience. Imagine a vibrant, tangy-sweet condiment that's not just a side dish, but a conversation starter that will have your guests begging for the recipe. With a perfect balance of tart cranberries, caramelized pearl onions, and sweet golden raisins, this homemade sauce is a culinary masterpiece that elevates any meal from ordinary to extraordinary.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup pearl onions, peeled
- 1/2 cup golden raisins
Instructions
- Prepare the pearl onions by peeling off their papery outer skin. To make peeling easier, blanch the onions in boiling water for 1 minute, then immediately transfer to an ice bath. The skins should slip off easily.
- In a medium saucepan, combine fresh cranberries, sugar, and water. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to help the sugar dissolve.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and add the peeled pearl onions to the cranberry mixture. Simmer for about 10-12 minutes, allowing the cranberries to burst and the sauce to thicken.
- Stir in the golden raisins and continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes. The sauce should have a slightly syrupy consistency and the onions should be tender but not mushy.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the cranberry sauce cool to room temperature. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving bowl or storage container. For best flavor, refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a side dish, preferably alongside roasted meats or holiday meals.
Tips
- Blanching pearl onions is key to easy peeling - don't skip the ice bath trick!
- Use fresh cranberries for the brightest flavor and best texture.
- Keep an eye on the simmering sauce and stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- The sauce will naturally thicken as it cools, so don't worry if it seems thin while cooking.
- Make this sauce ahead of time - it actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours, allowing the flavors to develop.
- For a more complex flavor, consider adding a splash of orange zest or a pinch of cinnamon.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 160kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
