Imagine a cranberry sauce that's not just a boring holiday side dish, but a flavor explosion that will have your guests begging for the recipe! This Vanilla Cardamom Cranberry Sauce is about to transform your traditional holiday spread from ordinary to extraordinary. With a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and exotic spices, this sauce is so delicious, you'll want to eat it by the spoonful – and trust me, no one will judge!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 bag (12 oz) fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
Instructions
- Rinse the fresh cranberries thoroughly under cool running water, removing any stems or damaged berries.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine water and sugar, stirring until the sugar begins to dissolve completely.
- Add the fresh cranberries to the sugar-water mixture, placing the pan over medium-high heat.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, allowing the cranberries to simmer and begin to burst and break down.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, which typically takes about 10-12 minutes.
- As the cranberries break down, use the back of a wooden spoon to gently press some berries to help create a thicker sauce consistency.
- Once the sauce reaches a jam-like thickness and most berries have burst, remove from heat.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and ground cardamom, mixing thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Allow the sauce to cool at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, during which 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, plump cranberries that are firm and vibrant red for the best flavor and texture. • Don't walk away while cooking – cranberry sauce can quickly go from perfect to burnt! • Use a wooden spoon to gently mash some berries for a more rustic, textured sauce. • For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a strip of orange zest while cooking. • Let the sauce cool completely before refrigerating to allow it to set and develop deeper flavors. • This sauce can be made up to 5 days in advance, making it perfect for holiday meal prep. • If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a little water or orange juice.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 90kcal
Carbohydrates: 23g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
