Ingredients:
- 1 bag (12 oz) fresh cranberries, rinsed and sorted
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust based on desired sweetness)
- 1/4 cup water
- A pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, add the cranberries, orange juice, water, sugar, and a pinch of salt if desired.
- Cook the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries have burst and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Orange Zest: Stir in the orange zest and cook for another 2 minutes to blend the flavors together.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from heat and let the cranberry sauce cool to room temperature. It will thicken further as it cools.
- Serve: Once cooled, transfer to a serving bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve. The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Tips:
- Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness to your liking. You can add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter sauce or reduce it for a tangier flavor.
- Texture: If you like a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to puree it to your desired consistency.
- Flavor Variations: Add a cinnamon stick or a few whole cloves while simmering for a warm, spiced note. Just remember to remove them before serving.
Notes:
- This sauce can be made ahead of time, which is perfect for busy holiday meals!
- For a slightly different twist, add a tablespoon of maple syrup or honey instead of some of the sugar for a richer flavor.
Nutrition (per 2-tablespoon serving):
- Calories: 35–40 kcal
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Sugar: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
