Are you tired of the same old canned cranberry sauce that shows up every Thanksgiving? This year, elevate your holiday table (or any weeknight meal!) with this homemade cranberry sauce recipe using dried cranberries. It's surprisingly easy to make, bursting with flavor, and far healthier than its store-bought counterpart. This recipe is perfect for those looking for quick dinner ideas or simply delicious dishes for any occasion. Get ready to experience the vibrant tang and delightful sweetness of homemade cranberry sauce like never before! This is one of those easy recipes that delivers big on taste.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup granulated sugar (or maple syrup for a healthier option)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
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Prep the Cranberries: Rinse the dried cranberries under cold water to remove any debris. This simple step ensures a cleaner flavor.
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed cranberries, orange juice, water, sugar (or maple syrup), orange zest, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
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Simmer to Perfection: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, or until the cranberries are plump and softened, and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Mash (Optional): If you prefer a smoother cranberry sauce, use a potato masher or immersion blender to lightly mash some of the cranberries. Leave some whole cranberries for texture if you like a chunkier sauce.
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Cool and Serve: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the cranberry sauce cool completely before serving. The flavors will meld beautifully as it cools. This also allows the sauce to thicken further.
Tips for the Best Cranberry Sauce:
- Fresh is Best: While you can use bottled orange juice, freshly squeezed juice adds a brighter, more vibrant flavor to the sauce.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust the sugar or maple syrup to your preference. Some dried cranberries are sweeter than others.
- Spice it Up: Feel free to experiment with other spices! A pinch of allspice or cloves would complement the cinnamon and ginger beautifully.
- Make it Ahead: This cranberry sauce can be made a day or two in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Variations:
- Cranberry-Orange-Ginger Sauce: Increase the amount of ginger to 1 tablespoon for a more pronounced ginger flavor.
- Cranberry-Apple Sauce: Add 1 cup of chopped apples (peeled and cored) during the simmering process for a delightful twist.
- Spiced Cranberry Sauce: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a warmer, more complex flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on sweetener used)
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 35-45g
- Fiber: Approximately 2-3g
- Sugar: Approximately 25-35g (depending on sweetener used)
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This homemade cranberry sauce recipe is a delicious and healthy addition to your holiday table or any meal. It's a simple yet impressive side dish that everyone will love. Enjoy!