Tired of the same old cranberry sauce every Thanksgiving? This year, spice things up with our delicious and easy Spicy Cranberry Sauce recipe! This vibrant, tangy, and subtly spicy sauce is the perfect complement to your holiday roast, adding a delightful kick to your traditional feast. It's surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner cooks, and requires minimal ingredients. Get ready to elevate your holiday table with this homemade culinary delight – perfect for quick dinner ideas and healthy meals!
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (or maple syrup for a healthier option)
- 1 jalapeño pepper, finely minced (remove seeds for less heat)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Cranberries and Spices: Rinse the cranberries thoroughly and remove any stems. Finely mince the jalapeño pepper, carefully removing the seeds if you prefer a less spicy sauce.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, sugar (or maple syrup), jalapeño, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce: 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 sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Cool and Serve: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool completely. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken further. Once cooled, transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This step is crucial for achieving the best flavor and texture.
Tips for the Best Spicy Cranberry Sauce:
- Adjust the Spice: Control the heat level by adjusting the amount of jalapeño pepper. For a milder sauce, remove the seeds and membranes before mincing. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Sweetness Level: Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust the sweetness according to your preference. You can add more sugar or maple syrup if needed.
- Fresh is Best: Using freshly squeezed orange juice enhances the flavor significantly.
- Make Ahead: This cranberry sauce can be made up to a week in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen.
Variations:
- Orange Zest: Add the zest of one orange for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
- Ginger: Incorporate a teaspoon of ground ginger for a warm and aromatic twist.
- Cranberry-Apple Sauce: Add 1 cup of chopped apples (such as Granny Smith) for a delicious cranberry-apple combination.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Serving size will depend on the total amount made, but generally a serving size might be around ¼ cup.
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30g
- Sugar: Approximately 20-25g
This Spicy Cranberry Sauce recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of delicious dishes and best recipes. It's a simple yet impressive side dish that's perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any time you want to add a festive and flavorful touch to your meal. Enjoy!