Ready in: 1 hour 15 minutes · Serves: 8 · Technique: Chilling · Storage: Keeps for up to a week in the refrigerator.
Quick Answer
This homemade cranberry relish is a vibrant blend of fresh cranberries and orange zest, creating the perfect sweet-tart accompaniment for your holiday meals.
As the autumn leaves blanket the sidewalks of New York City and the holiday season approaches, I'm finding joy in preparing recipes that embody the spirit of Thanksgiving and Christmas. One dish that has become a staple in my kitchen is cranberries - not just in their traditional form as sauce, but as a fresh, zesty relish that brightens any meal. This homemade cranberry relish is not just delightful and vibrant; it's the perfect balance of sweet and tart, making it a beautiful accompaniment to our holiday feasts.
A Festive Holiday Side
This cranberry relish is an ideal side dish for your holiday gatherings, adding a splash of color and flavor to your table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Brightens any meal with its vibrant color and fresh flavor.
- Perfect balance of sweet and tart that complements holiday feasts.
- Easy to make, allowing you to impress guests without any stress.
- Versatile as a side dish or a topping for desserts.
- Can be prepared in advance, freeing up your time on the big day.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious cranberry relish:
Fresh Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries, rinsed
- 1 medium orange, zested and juiced
- 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust based on sweetness preference)
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts (optional for crunch)
How to Make Cranberry Relish (Step-by-Step)
This homemade cranberry relish is easy to prepare and perfect for your holiday gatherings.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
The first step in crafting this relish is to gather your ingredients. I always opt for a 12-ounce bag of fresh cranberries, ensuring they're bright and glossy, signaling freshness. Select a medium orange - the zest and juice will lend such a fragrant note to the relish.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a food processor, I combine the cranberries with the zest and juice from that bright orange. The tartness of the cranberries paired with the citrusy zing of the orange creates an invigorating scent that fills my kitchen. I then add in the sugar, adjusting it based on how sweet I want my relish to be. For some added crunch, I sprinkle in the chopped walnuts.
Step 3: Pulse Together
I pulse the mixture until it's coarsely chopped and everything is evenly combined. The sound of the processor whirring with those popping, juicy cranberries is music to my ears. The bright color of the relish should be a vibrant ruby red, signaling that it's ready.
Step 4: Chill
Once the mixture is prepared, I transfer it to a bowl, cover it, and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This step is crucial; it allows the flavors to meld beautifully. The aroma is tantalizing, and I can't help but sneak a taste - it's a sweet-tart explosion that gets my taste buds excited for the festive meals ahead.
Step 5: Serve
Whether serving it as a side to a roasted turkey or as a compote to complement your holiday desserts, this cranberry relish will steal the show on your table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using dried cranberries: Stick to fresh cranberries for that burst of tart flavor and vibrant color.
- Skipping the chilling time: Don't rush this step; the flavors need time to develop.
- Over-processing: Aim for a coarsely chopped texture-over-processing can turn it into mush!
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Feel free to experiment by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a seasonal twist.
- For an extra tang, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar.
- This relish can be prepared a day in advance, making it perfect for holiday hosting.
Variations
- Substitute pecans for walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
- Add diced apples or pears for extra sweetness and texture.
- Mix in some grated ginger for a zesty kick.
How to Serve
- As a side to roasted turkey or ham.
- As a topping for cream cheese on crackers for a festive appetizer.
- As a compote to complement holiday desserts like cheesecake or ice cream.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: This relish can be prepared a day in advance, making it great for holiday hosting.
- Storage: Store any leftover cranberry relish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Reheating: The relish is typically served cold, so no reheating is necessary.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as it may alter the texture of the relish.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Making my own cranberry relish from scratch is much more satisfying than relying on the canned version; the freshness really shines through. The simple act of chopping and combining ingredients fills my kitchen with the scents of the season, reminding me of the joy of holiday gatherings. This relish, both tangy and sweet, is a definite crowd-pleaser and will be a fixture on my Thanksgiving and Christmas tables for years to come.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 3 cups · Serving Size: ¼ cup
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~80 calories · 1g protein · 22g carbs · 0g fat
Recipe by:
Vibrant Homemade Cranberry Relish
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Gather your ingredients: fresh cranberries, orange, sugar, and walnuts.
- Combine cranberries with the zest and juice of the orange in a food processor.
- Add sugar and chopped walnuts, then pulse until coarsely chopped and mixed.
- Transfer to a bowl, cover, and chill for at least an hour.
- Serve as a side dish or topping for holiday meals.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
It's best to use fresh cranberries for the best flavor and texture. Frozen cranberries might lead to a different consistency in the relish.
2. How long can I store the cranberry relish?
You can store the leftover cranberry relish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors will continue to deepen over time.
3. Can I make cranberry relish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare cranberry relish a day in advance, which is perfect for holiday hosting. Just ensure it has enough time to chill for the flavors to meld.
4. What can I serve cranberry relish with?
Cranberry relish pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, ham, and holiday desserts. It's versatile enough to complement various dishes on your festive table.
5. Can I add other ingredients to the relish?
Absolutely! You can experiment by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a seasonal twist, or even a splash of apple cider vinegar for an extra tang.
