Description
A bright, homemade cranberry sauce with a perfect balance of tart cranberries, sweet sugar, and a hint of orange zest, ready in 15 minutes and ideal for holiday tables or everyday sandwiches.
Ingredients
- Fresh cranberries, 12 ounces (about 3 cups)
- Granulated sugar, 1 cup
- Water, 1 cup
- Orange zest, 1 teaspoon
- Salt, 1 pinch
Instructions
- Place a medium saucepan over medium heat and prepare your equipment.
- Add the fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, and water to the saucepan and stir gently to combine.
- Heat the mixture until the sugar dissolves completely, stirring occasionally.
- Add the orange zest and a pinch of salt, stirring to incorporate the citrus brightness.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, or until most cranberries have burst but some remain whole for texture.
- Taste and adjust sweetness if needed, then remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool so it thickens to the desired consistency.
- Transfer to a serving bowl or storage container, chill if desired, and serve once cooled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Taste as you go and adjust sugar to match your preference.
- Substitute part or all of the water with orange juice or apple cider for more depth of flavor.
- To add warm spice, simmer with a cinnamon stick and remove it before serving.
- The sauce thickens as it cools, so avoid overcooking if you prefer a looser consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 recipe (about 2 to 3 tablespoons)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 33 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 0.3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: cranberry sauce, homemade cranberry sauce, holiday sauce, Thanksgiving condiment, cranberry relish