Cranberry-orange relish bursts with a zesty sweetness that dances on your tongue. The vibrant red cranberries, paired with the bright citrus notes of fresh oranges, create a flavor explosion that will leave your taste buds singing.
Picture this: it’s Thanksgiving, and the table is laden with turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes. But wait! The star of the show is that dazzling bowl of cranberry-orange relish sitting pretty, glistening like a jewel. It’s not just a side dish; it’s a flavorful fiesta that brings everyone together for seconds (and maybe thirds).
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This cranberry-orange relish is incredibly easy to prepare and requires no cooking at all.
- Its sweet-tart flavor profile complements both savory dishes and desserts perfectly.
- The bright red color adds visual appeal to any holiday spread or family gathering.
- Serve it as a versatile condiment for turkey, cheese boards, or even brunch dishes.
Ingredients for Cranberry-orange relish
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Cranberries: Use whole cranberries for the best flavor; they should be firm and plump.
- Oranges: Freshly squeezed juice will elevate the taste; opt for juicy navel oranges.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar balances the tartness of cranberries perfectly; adjust according to your sweetness preference.
- Zest of Orange: Adds an aromatic component and enhances the citrus flavor; make sure to zest before juicing.
- Ground Cinnamon: A pinch of cinnamon introduces warmth; feel free to experiment with nutmeg too!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cranberry-orange relish
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit
Start by rinsing your fresh cranberries under cold water. Pick out any mushy ones because we’re here for quality!
Step 2: Zest Away
Zest one orange using a microplane or grater. Be careful not to zest too deep into the white pith—it’s bitter! Then cut both oranges in half and juice them into a bowl.
Step 3: Blend It Up
In a food processor, combine all those beautiful cranberries, orange juice, zest, sugar, and ground cinnamon. Pulse until everything is finely chopped but not pureed—you want some texture!
Step 4: Taste Test
Spoon a little bit of your mixture onto a plate to taste. If you desire more sweetness, add more sugar gradually until it’s just right for you.
Step 5: Chill Out
Transfer your relish into an airtight container and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours before serving. This waiting game allows flavors to meld beautifully—like they’re getting ready for prom night!
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Scoop your gorgeous cranberry-orange relish into a serving bowl alongside your holiday feast. Watch as everyone digs in with gusto—it’s hard not to smile when you see people enjoy something you made!
With its vibrant colors and zesty notes, cranberry-orange relish isn’t just a condiment; it’s an experience! Whether you’re slathering it on turkey sandwiches post-Thanksgiving or dolloping it next to cream cheese on crackers at parties, this delightful concoction will steal the culinary spotlight every time. Happy cooking!
You Must Know
- This cranberry-orange relish is not just a side dish; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen.
- It brightens up your Thanksgiving table, pairs beautifully with turkey, and can be made in advance, leaving you with more time for family (or a nap).
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by washing the cranberries and zesting the oranges. Cook the cranberries in a pot with sugar and water until they pop. Meanwhile, prepare the orange segments and fold them in at the end for maximum freshness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize this relish! Swap half of the sugar for honey, add some chopped walnuts for crunch, or toss in a pinch of cinnamon for warmth. Make it yours!
Storing & Reheating
Store your cranberry-orange relish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. No need to reheat—serve it chilled or at room temperature for optimal flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best cranberry-orange relish, use fresh cranberries rather than frozen ones.
- They hold their shape better and taste brighter.
- Adjust sweetness to your preference by tasting as you go.
- And remember, this relish gets even better after a day in the fridge!
Nothing brings back memories quite like that first spoonful of homemade cranberry-orange relish at Thanksgiving dinner. I’ll never forget my uncle’s delighted reaction when he discovered it paired perfectly with his turkey—and now he insists on taking home leftovers every year!
FAQs:
What is cranberry-orange relish?
Cranberry-orange relish is a zesty condiment made with fresh cranberries, oranges, and sugar. This vibrant dish typically combines the tartness of cranberries with the citrusy sweetness of oranges. It often serves as a refreshing side dish during holiday meals or gatherings. The bright flavors complement various meats, especially turkey, making it a staple for Thanksgiving dinner.
How do you store cranberry-orange relish?
To store cranberry-orange relish, first, allow it to cool completely after preparation. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. Properly stored, it can last up to two weeks in the fridge. For longer storage, consider freezing the relish in freezer-safe bags or containers. Just remember to label them with the date so you can enjoy this delicious condiment later!
Can you make cranberry-orange relish ahead of time?
Yes, you can certainly make cranberry-orange relish ahead of time! In fact, preparing it a day or two in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container until ready to serve. This makes it a convenient addition to your holiday meal prep and ensures you have one less dish to worry about on the big day.
What dishes pair well with cranberry-orange relish?
Cranberry-orange relish pairs wonderfully with various dishes. It complements roasted turkey and chicken perfectly, adding a burst of flavor to any meat. Additionally, you can enjoy it with cheese platters or spread on sandwiches for an added zing. Its sweet and tart profile also enhances salads and grain bowls, making it a versatile condiment for many meals.
Conclusion for Cranberry-orange relish:
Cranberry-orange relish is a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire. With its vibrant colors and refreshing flavors, it elevates any meal, especially during festive occasions. Making this relish is simple and can be done ahead of time for convenience. By storing it properly, you ensure its freshness and flavor longevity. Embrace this delicious condiment as a perfect complement to meats or as a standalone treat in your kitchen!
Cranberry-Orange Relish
Cranberry-Orange Relish is a refreshing and vibrant condiment that adds a zesty touch to your holiday meals. This easy, no-cook recipe combines tart cranberries with the sweetness of fresh oranges, creating a delightful burst of flavor. Perfect alongside turkey or as part of a cheese platter, this relish can be made ahead of time to let the flavors meld beautifully. Brighten up your festive table with this irresistible addition!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 8 servings 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries (240g)
- 2 large navel oranges (about 400g)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150g)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Rinse and sort fresh cranberries, discarding any mushy ones.
- Zest one orange and juice both oranges into a bowl.
- In a food processor, combine cranberries, orange juice, zest, sugar, and cinnamon; pulse until finely chopped but textured.
- Taste and adjust sweetness by adding more sugar if desired.
- Transfer to an airtight container and chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: For added depth, mix in chopped walnuts or swap half the sugar for honey. This relish can be made up to two days in advance for optimal flavor.
