Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 10 minutes
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 1 cup of sugar (200g)
- 1 cup of water (240ml)
- 4 cups of fresh cranberries (400g)
- Zest and juice of 1 orange
Method
- Preheat your stove to 100°C (212°F) to ensure it’s ready for cooking.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water and bring them to a boil over medium heat.
- Add the cranberries to the saucepan and return it to a boil. Then, lower the heat and let it simmer for roughly 10 minutes, or until you notice most cranberries have burst open.
- Stir in the zest and juice of one orange to the saucepan. Afterwards, you can remove it from the heat.
- Allow the cranberry sauce to cool completely at room temperature before you transfer it to a bowl. After transferring, put it in the refrigerator to chill. You’ll notice the sauce thickens as it cools.
- The sauce can be served cold or at room temperature, perfect for a quick preparation ahead of the week, as it can be made up to a week in advance.
Enjoy your homemade cranberry sauce! Quick, budget-friendly and incredibly delicious! Perfect for your next holiday meal or a delightful addition to your daily dishes.
Making a healthier cranberry sauce
The traditional cranberry sauce can be quite sweet.
For a healthier version, try replacing the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. You can also add a dash of orange or lemon juice to the mix for a tangy twist.
Another way to make your cranberry sauce healthier is by incorporating other fruits such as apples or pears, not only does this increase the nutrient value but also allows you to reduce the amount of sweetener needed.
Storing your cranberry sauce
Once your delicious cranberry sauce is ready, it’s essential to store it properly for optimum freshness. A freshly made batch can last for up to 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator.
Ensure it’s kept in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out, and always use a clean spoon to serve to prevent bacteria from spoiling the rest.
If you’d like to keep your cranberry sauce longer, consider freezing it – it can be stored in the freezer for up to a year!
Serving suggestions for cranberry sauce
Cranberry sauce isn’t just for turkey! You can serve it as a companion to a variety of different meals.
Being a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, it pairs well with chicken, pork, and even vegetarian or vegan dishes. Drizzle it over roasted vegetables or mix it into a salad dressing.
As for drinks, a nice white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a bubbly Prosecco complements cranberry sauce’s distinct flavor beautifully. Enjoy experimenting with various combinations to find your personal favorite!
