Tired of the same old cranberry sauce? This cranberry relish with jalapeño offers a vibrant, zesty twist on a holiday favorite. It's surprisingly easy to make, bursting with fresh flavors that perfectly complement your Thanksgiving turkey or Christmas ham – or any time you crave a delicious, healthy side dish! This recipe is perfect for beginner cooks looking for easy recipes and experienced cooks searching for new delicious dishes to add to their repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 orange, zested and juiced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or to taste, depending on cranberry sweetness)
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and minced (adjust to your spice preference!)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions:
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Prep the Cranberries: Rinse the cranberries thoroughly and remove any damaged berries.
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, sugar, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
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Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the relish has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Cool and Serve: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the relish cool completely. The flavors will meld beautifully as it cools. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This relish is even better the next day!
Cooking Tips for the Best Cranberry Relish:
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the relish as it simmers and adjust the sugar according to your preference. Some cranberries are naturally sweeter than others.
- Spice Level: Start with one jalapeño and add more if you prefer a spicier relish. Remember that the heat intensifies as the relish cools. Removing the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños will reduce the heat significantly.
- Make it Ahead: This relish can be made several days in advance, allowing the flavors to develop fully.
Variations:
- Apple Cranberry Relish: Add 1/2 cup of diced apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well) for a delightful sweetness and texture.
- Ginger Cranberry Relish: Incorporate 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger for an extra layer of warmth and spice.
- Cranberry Relish with Pecans: Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped pecans for a delicious crunchy element.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities used. However, a serving of this cranberry relish is generally low in fat and a good source of Vitamin C and antioxidants.
This cranberry relish with jalapeño is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest. It's a healthy meal addition, perfect as a quick dinner idea for a festive touch or to elevate your everyday meals. It’s a delicious side dish guaranteed to impress your family and friends! Enjoy!