Amazing Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Fresh Orange
Amazing Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Fresh Orange
Introduction
Transform your holiday table or everyday meals with this truly Amazing Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Fresh Orange! Forget the can – this vibrant, fresh sauce is incredibly easy to make and offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart, brightened by the zesty aroma and juice of fresh oranges. It's a versatile condiment that elevates everything from roasted turkey and chicken to festive sandwiches and breakfast toast. Get ready for a taste explosion that will have everyone asking for the recipe!
Ingredients
- 12 ounces (about 3 cups) fresh cranberries, rinsed
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) water
- 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest
- Pinch of salt (optional, for enhancing flavors)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, water, fresh orange juice, and the optional pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Add the rinsed fresh cranberries and fresh orange zest to the simmering liquid. Stir gently to combine.
- Continue to cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring occasionally. As the cranberries heat up, they will begin to burst, releasing their natural pectin and juices. This typically takes about 10-15 minutes.
- Once most of the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Allow the cranberry sauce to cool completely at room temperature. It will thicken considerably as it cools.
- Once cooled, transfer the Amazing Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Fresh Orange to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Pro Tips & Notes
- Adjusting Sweetness: While 3/4 cup of sugar provides a lovely sweet-tart balance, you can always add a tablespoon or two more after cooking if you prefer a sweeter sauce. Taste once cooled.
- Make Ahead: This cranberry sauce is perfect for preparing in advance! Make it up to 7-10 days before you plan to serve it. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Storage: Keep leftover cranberry sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 7-10 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Serving Suggestions: Beyond the traditional holiday turkey, try this sauce with roasted chicken or pork, as a spread for grilled cheese, on a charcuterie board, or mixed into yogurt or oatmeal.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Protein: 0.5g
- Fat: 0.1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 25g
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh? A: Yes, absolutely! There's no need to thaw them beforehand; just add them directly to the simmering liquid. The cooking time might be slightly extended.
- Q: How long does homemade cranberry sauce last? A: Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it will keep fresh for 7 to 10 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Q: Why isn't my sauce thickening? A: Cranberry sauce naturally thickens as it cools due to the pectin in the cranberries. If it seems too thin while warm, don't worry—it will firm up considerably in the refrigerator. For a thicker sauce, you can cook it a bit longer or use slightly less water initially.
- Q: Can I add other spices? A: While the orange provides wonderful flavor, you can certainly experiment! A cinnamon stick added during simmering, a pinch of ground ginger, or a couple of cloves can offer an extra layer of warmth.