Description
Looking for a cranberry sauce that satisfies both cooked sauce and raw relish fans? Perfect Cranberry Sauce strikes the ideal balance with its sweet-tangy flavor, combining burst cranberries with whole ones for a fresh, vibrant texture
Ingredients
Perfect Cranberry Sauce uses minimal ingredients for a bold, festive result. Here’s what you’ll need for 6-8 servings:
- 12-ounce bag fresh or frozen cranberries: The tart, vibrant base.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and balances tartness.
- 1 strip orange or lemon zest: Adds bright, citrusy depth.
- 2 tablespoons water: Helps dissolve sugar and start cooking.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste, for subtle seasoning.
- Additional sugar: To taste, for adjusting sweetness.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Cranberries: Provide tartness and texture, with whole berries adding a fresh bite.
- Sugar: Balances the cranberries’ natural tartness.
- Citrus Zest: Enhances flavor with a zesty, aromatic note.
- Salt and Pepper: Subtly elevate the flavor profile.
Substitutions and Variations
- Cranberries: Use frozen if fresh aren’t available; no need to thaw.
- Sugar: Swap with honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar (use ¾ cup and adjust to taste).
- Citrus Zest: Replace with 1 teaspoon orange or lemon juice, or use lime zest for a twist.
- Water: Substitute with orange juice or apple cider for extra flavor.
- Vegan Option: Naturally vegan; use agave or maple syrup for strict vegan diets.
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free; ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Flavor Variations:
- Spiced Cranberry Sauce: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon or ¼ teaspoon ground cloves.
- Boozy Cranberry Sauce: Stir in 2 tablespoons bourbon or Grand Marnier after cooking.
- Ginger Cranberry Sauce: Add 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger during cooking.
- Berry-Mixed Cranberry Sauce: Mix in ½ cup raspberries or blueberries with the reserved cranberries.
- Jalapeño Cranberry Sauce: Add 1 finely chopped jalapeño for a spicy kick.
Instructions
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather all ingredients: 12-ounce bag cranberries, 1 cup sugar, 1 strip orange or lemon zest, 2 tablespoons water, salt, pepper, additional sugar if needed.
- Empty the cranberries into a medium saucepan and transfer ½ cup to a small bowl for reserving.
- Prepare 1 strip of orange or lemon zest (about 2 inches long, avoiding the white pith).
Tip: Rinse fresh cranberries and remove any stems or soft berries; frozen cranberries can be used directly.
Step 2: Cook the Base
- To the saucepan with 1 ½ cups cranberries, add 1 cup sugar, 1 strip citrus zest, and 2 tablespoons water.
- Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and cranberries soften, about 10 minutes.
- Increase heat to medium and cook until the cranberries burst, about 12 minutes.
Tip: Stir gently to avoid crushing cranberries too early; watch for a thick, jam-like consistency.
Step 3: Add Reserved Cranberries
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the reserved ½ cup cranberries.
- Add sugar, salt, and pepper to taste (start with a pinch of each).
- Cook for 1-2 minutes to warm the whole cranberries through.
Tip: Taste carefully and adjust sweetness or seasoning; the reserved cranberries should remain whole for texture.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
- Remove from heat and cool to room temperature before serving.
- Serve as a side, about ¼ cup per serving, or store for later use.
Tip: Cooling enhances flavor; serve at room temperature or chilled for best taste