Are you dreaming of a Thanksgiving feast, but dreading the long hours spent in the kitchen? This homemade Boston Market Cranberry Relish recipe is your answer! It's surprisingly easy to make, bursting with vibrant flavor, and far surpasses anything you'd find in a can. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious and festive side dish – perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday gathering. It's a quick and easy recipe, ideal for those busy weeknights too, proving that healthy meals can also be delicious dishes and quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- 1/4 cup orange zest
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, but highly recommended!)
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (optional, for a spicy kick)
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and orange zest. If using, add the ginger now as well.
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Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have popped and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
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Cool and Stir In Nuts: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the relish cool slightly. Once it's cooled a bit, gently stir in the chopped pecans or walnuts.
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Chill and Serve: Transfer the cranberry relish to a bowl or airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for the best results, allowing the flavors to deepen and the relish to thicken further. Serve chilled alongside your favorite holiday dishes.
Tips for the Best Cranberry Relish:
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Fresh Cranberries are Key: Using fresh cranberries makes a world of difference in both flavor and texture. Avoid using frozen cranberries unless absolutely necessary.
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Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet relish, reduce the amount of sugar by 1-2 tablespoons. Taste and adjust to your liking.
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Spice it Up: For an extra layer of warmth, add a pinch of cinnamon or cloves along with the ginger.
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Make it Ahead: This relish tastes even better the next day! You can make it up to a week in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
Variations:
- Apple Cranberry Relish: Add 1/2 cup of chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well) along with the cranberries.
- Citrus Twist: Experiment with different citrus fruits. Lime zest and juice can add a zesty twist.
- Boozy Relish: For adults, add a splash of orange liqueur (like Grand Marnier) after removing from the heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings. Nutritional information will vary slightly based on the ingredients used and portion size.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 calories
- Fat: 5-8 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams
- Sugar: 20-25 grams
- Protein: 1-2 grams
This delicious and easy cranberry relish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest, offering healthy meals without sacrificing flavor. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your holiday repertoire and offers a wonderful twist on classic food recipes. Enjoy!