Description
This Simple Homemade Cranberry Sauce recipe delivers a fresh, tangy, and sweet accompaniment perfect for holiday meals or any time you want a burst of fruity flavor. Made with fresh cranberries, sugar, and a bright touch of orange zest and juice, it’s easy to prepare on the stovetop in under 30 minutes. The sauce strikes a perfect balance between tart and sweet and thickens to a luscious texture that complements turkey, pork, and more.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Fresh Cranberries (Rinse and discard any soft or discolored berries.)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar (Adjust to taste for sweetness.)
- 1 cup Water (Acts as the cooking medium.)
- 1 tablespoon Orange Zest (Zest only the outer skin without the white pith.)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Orange Juice (Freshly squeezed is preferred.)
Instructions
- Rinse Cranberries: Rinse the fresh cranberries under cold water using a fine mesh strainer to remove any impurities or soft berries.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed cranberries, water, and granulated sugar. Stir gently to mix.
- Bring to Boil: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, allowing the cranberries to begin popping open.
- Simmer Cranberries: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and cranberries are mostly broken down.
- Prepare Orange Components: While the sauce simmers, zest the orange carefully to avoid the white pith, and freshly squeeze the orange juice.
- Add Orange Zest and Juice: Stir the prepared orange zest and juice into the saucepan, mixing well into the thickened cranberry mixture.
- Continue Cooking: Cook for another 5-10 minutes over low heat until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the cranberry sauce cool slightly before transferring it to a serving bowl.
- Adjust Flavor: Taste the sauce and adjust sweetness or acidity as needed before serving.
Notes
- You can adjust the sugar amount based on your preference for sweetness or the tartness of the cranberries.
- Fresh orange zest and juice add brightness, but you can substitute with lemon or lime for a different citrus twist.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- This sauce can be made in advance and served cold or reheated gently before serving.
