Are you tired of the same old canned cranberry sauce? This recipe for homemade cranberry sauce with dried cranberries offers a vibrant, tangy twist on a classic Thanksgiving side dish (or anytime treat!). It's surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and even less effort. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious and healthy addition to your next meal! This recipe is perfect for those seeking easy recipes, healthy meals, and quick dinner ideas, all while enjoying homemade cooking and delicious dishes.
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces dried cranberries
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
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Prepare the Cranberries: Rinse the dried cranberries under cold water to remove any debris. This simple step ensures a cleaner, brighter flavor.
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed cranberries, orange juice, maple syrup, water, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
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Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the cranberries have softened and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The longer you simmer, the thicker the sauce will become.
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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 and the sauce to thicken further. Once cooled, you can store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Tips for the Best Cranberry Sauce:
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cranberry sauce, reduce the amount of maple syrup to 1/4 cup. Taste and adjust to your liking.
- Spice it Up: For a more intense flavor, increase the amount of cinnamon and ginger, or add a pinch of cloves or allspice.
- Citrus Zest: Add the zest of one orange for an extra layer of citrusy aroma and flavor.
- Don't Overcook: Overcooking can result in a mushy cranberry sauce. Keep a close eye on it while simmering.
Variations:
- Cranberry-Orange Sauce: Add the zest and juice of one orange for a brighter, more citrusy flavor.
- Cranberry-Apple Sauce: Add 1 cup of chopped apples along with the cranberries for a sweeter, more complex flavor.
- Spiced Cranberry Sauce: Experiment with different spices like cardamom, nutmeg, or star anise.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on serving size and sweetness)
- Carbohydrates: High
- Protein: Low
- Fat: Low
This recipe is a great example of healthy meals and delicious dishes that are easy to prepare. Enjoy! This homemade cranberry sauce is a perfect complement to your Thanksgiving feast or a delightful addition to any meal, showcasing the best recipes for simple yet flavorful cooking. It's a recipe you'll want to keep coming back to year after year.