A Quick and Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is a classic dish that can be served with a variety of dishes. It has a tart, sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with turkey, pork, or ham. This easy and quick recipe will give you a delicious homemade cranberry sauce that only takes minutes to make.
To start, you'll need a 12-ounce bag of fresh cranberries. Rinse them in cold water and set aside. Next, grab a medium saucepan and place it over medium-high heat. Pour in one cup of water, one cup of sugar, and one-quarter teaspoon of salt. Stir until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved.
Add the cranberries to the pan and reduce the heat to low. Let the cranberries simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You'll know they are done when the cranberries have softened and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Once the cranberries are done, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, pour the cranberries into a medium bowl and use a potato masher to mash them until they form a thick, chunky sauce. If you want a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender.
Once the sauce is to your desired consistency, stir in one tablespoon of orange zest and two tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice. You can also add a tablespoon of honey, if you want a sweeter sauce. Taste and adjust the sweetness, if desired.
Your cranberry sauce is now ready to serve. If you want to make it ahead of time, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Or, you can freeze it for up to three months.
Tips for Making the Best Cranberry Sauce
If you want to make the best cranberry sauce, here are some tips:
- Always start with fresh cranberries—frozen cranberries won't have the same flavor.
- Don't overcook the cranberries, or the sauce will be too thick.
- Add a little orange juice and/or zest for a tart and tangy flavor.
- Add a bit of honey or sugar to sweeten the sauce.
- For a different flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
Serving Suggestions
Cranberry sauce is a delicious accompaniment to a variety of dishes. Try it with:
- Roast turkey
- Ham
- Pork roast
- Mashed potatoes
- Stuffing
- Baked brie
- Cheese plates
- Ice cream
Conclusion
Homemade cranberry sauce is a delicious and versatile condiment that can be enjoyed with a variety of dishes. It's quick and easy to make, and you can customize the flavor with a variety of additions. Why not give it a try this holiday season?
