Are you tired of store-bought cranberry sauce that's swimming in sugar and lacks that vibrant, fresh cranberry taste? Then get ready to be amazed! This incredibly simple three-ingredient cranberry sauce recipe delivers a burst of tart and sweet flavor that will elevate your holiday meals and become a new family favorite. It's unbelievably easy to make, requiring minimal effort and time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or even last-minute holiday preparations. This is the epitome of homemade cooking at its finest – delicious dishes made simple!
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (or your preferred sweetener, see variations below)
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, sugar, and orange juice. Give it a good stir to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
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Bring to a Boil: Over medium-high heat, bring the mixture to a rolling boil. This is important to help break down the cranberries and create a lovely sauce consistency.
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Simmer and Thicken: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The cranberries will start to pop and release their juices, resulting in a thickened, glossy sauce.
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Check for Consistency: After simmering, check the consistency of the sauce. You want it to be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it's still too thin, continue simmering for a few more minutes. If it's too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
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Cool and Serve: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the cranberry sauce cool completely. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Once cooled, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Serve alongside your favorite holiday dishes or enjoy it as a delicious spread on toast or crackers.
Cooking Tips for the Best Cranberry Sauce:
- Fresh Cranberries are Key: Using fresh cranberries makes all the difference in the flavor and texture of your sauce. Frozen cranberries can be used in a pinch, but they may result in a slightly softer sauce.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar based on your preference and the tartness of the cranberries. You can also experiment with different sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar.
- Zest it Up: Add the zest of one orange for an extra layer of citrusy flavor and aroma.
- Spice it Up: For a warm, comforting twist, add a cinnamon stick or a pinch of ground cinnamon while simmering.
Variations:
- Spiced Cranberry Sauce: Add a cinnamon stick, a few cloves, and a pinch of ground nutmeg for a warm and aromatic cranberry sauce.
- Orange & Ginger Cranberry Sauce: Include 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger along with the orange juice for a zesty and spicy kick.
- Cranberry Sauce with a Hint of Pomegranate: Stir in 1/4 cup of pomegranate arils for a beautiful color and a slightly tart flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary slightly depending on the exact amount of sugar used. However, a general estimate for a 1/4 cup serving would be around:
- Calories: Approximately 100-120 calories
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30 grams
- Sugar: Approximately 20-25 grams
This easy cranberry sauce recipe is perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks. It is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, sure to become a staple in your repertoire of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. Enjoy!