Description
This Cranberry Relish Recipe with Fresh Citrus Zest offers a vibrant, tangy, and homemade alternative to canned cranberry sauce, perfect for brightening up any meal. It features fresh cranberries simmered with orange and lemon zest, providing a healthier and flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar, or pure maple syrup
- 0.25 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 0.5 orange
- Zest of 0.5 lemon
- A tiny pinch salt
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium 2-quart saucepan, combine the 12 oz fresh cranberries, 0.5 cup granulated sugar (or pure maple syrup), 0.25 cup fresh orange juice, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and the zest of 0.5 orange and 0.5 lemon. Stir gently to mix.
- Simmer and Burst: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat (3-5 minutes). Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most cranberries burst and the relish slightly thickens. (If it looks too dry or is sticking, splash in 1-2 tablespoons of water or extra orange juice.)
- Cool and Chill: Remove from heat and let cool completely for about 30 minutes; the relish will thicken further as it cools. Once cooled, transfer to an airtight container and chill for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator to allow flavors to meld and ensure a firmer set.
Notes
Adjust sweetness to taste with sugar, maple syrup, erythritol, or stevia. For best flavor, choose plump, firm cranberries and zest citrus just before use. If the relish is too thin, return it to heat and simmer longer; if too tart, stir in more sweetener or a splash of orange juice. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 35 calories
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg