Looking to elevate your holiday table with a burst of flavor? This Quick Cranberry Orange Sauce is not just a side dish; it's a vibrant celebration of seasonal ingredients that will leave your guests asking for seconds! With just a handful of fresh cranberries and the zesty brightness of orange, you can whip up this delightful sauce in just 15 minutes. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive gathering, this recipe is a must-try that pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, or even as a unique topping for desserts. Ready to impress? Let’s dive into the simple steps to create this deliciously tangy sauce!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 1 bag (12 oz) fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- Zest of 1 orange
- Juice of 1 orange
Instructions
- Thoroughly rinse the fresh cranberries under cold water, removing any stems or damaged berries.
- Using a fine grater, carefully zest the entire orange, being careful to only remove the bright orange outer layer and avoid the white pith underneath.
- Cut the same orange in half and squeeze out all the fresh orange juice, removing any seeds.
- In a medium saucepan, combine water and sugar, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves over medium-high heat.
- Add the fresh cranberries to the sugar syrup and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, reducing heat to medium-low.
- Stir occasionally and let the cranberries cook for approximately 8-10 minutes, watching as they begin to pop and break down.
- Add the freshly grated orange zest and orange juice to the cooking cranberries, stirring to incorporate.
- Continue cooking until the sauce reaches a thick, jam-like consistency and most cranberries have burst.
- Remove from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature, where it will continue to thicken.
- Transfer to a clean glass container and refrigerate. The sauce can be served chilled or at room temperature.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Cranberries: Make sure to select a bag of fresh cranberries, as frozen ones may alter the texture and flavor of your sauce. Look for bright, plump berries with no signs of wrinkling.
- Zest with Care: When zesting your orange, be gentle to avoid the bitter white pith underneath. The zest adds a fragrant aroma that enhances the overall flavor of the sauce.
- Watch for Popping: As the cranberries cook, they will start to pop and break down. Keep an eye on them and stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to add more sugar according to your taste. Just remember, the natural tartness of cranberries is part of what makes this sauce so special!
- Cool and Thicken: Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature before refrigerating. It will continue to thicken as it cools, resulting in a perfect, jam-like consistency.
- Make Ahead: This sauce can be made a few days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. It actually tastes even better after a day or two as the flavors meld together!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 60kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
