Spiced Cabernet Cranberry Relish
Indulge in the delightful blend of tart and savory with this Spiced Cabernet Cranberry Relish. Featuring fresh cranberries simmered in rich Cabernet Sauvignon wine and infused with citrus zest and aromatic cinnamon, this relish is the perfect accompaniment to roasted meats, cheese platters, or as a festive holiday side. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering!
3.5
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
sugar
1 1/4 cups (granulated)
Cabernet Sauvignon wine
1 cup (dry red wine)
fresh cranberries
1 (12 ounce) package (washed and picked over)
grated tangerines or orange rind
2 teaspoons (zested)
cinnamon stick
1 (3 inch) (whole)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and Cabernet Sauvignon wine.
2
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar.
3
Once boiling, carefully add the fresh cranberries, grated tangerine or orange rind, and the cinnamon stick.
4
Stir the mixture well and return it to a boil. Keep stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
5
Reduce the heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer, partially covered, for about 10 to 15 minutes or until the cranberry skins begin to pop.
6
Remove the saucepan from heat and discard the cinnamon stick.
7
Let the relish cool slightly before serving warm, or cover and chill in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours if you prefer a cold relish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Cabernet Cranberry Relish?
It is a tart and savory relish made by simmering fresh cranberries in Cabernet Sauvignon wine with citrus zest and aromatic cinnamon.
What type of wine is best for this cranberry relish?
The recipe calls for a dry red wine, specifically Cabernet Sauvignon, to provide a rich flavor profile.
How much sugar is needed for the recipe?
You will need 1 1/4 cups of granulated sugar.
Can I use orange rind instead of tangerine?
Yes, you can use either 2 teaspoons of grated tangerine or orange rind for the zest.
How long should the cranberry mixture simmer?
The mixture should simmer, partially covered, for about 10 to 15 minutes.
How do I know when the relish is finished cooking?
The relish is ready when the cranberry skins begin to pop after simmering.
Should the relish be served warm or cold?
It can be served warm after cooling slightly, or chilled in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours if you prefer it cold.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe makes approximately 3.5 servings.
Do I need to remove the cinnamon stick?
Yes, the cinnamon stick should be removed and discarded after the saucepan is removed from the heat.
How many ingredients are required?
There are 5 main ingredients: sugar, Cabernet Sauvignon, fresh cranberries, citrus rind, and a cinnamon stick.
What is the first step in making this relish?
The first step is to combine the sugar and Cabernet Sauvignon wine in a medium saucepan.
Does the wine need to reach a boil?
Yes, you should bring the wine and sugar mixture to a rolling boil before adding the other ingredients.
How should the cranberries be prepared?
The cranberries should be washed and picked over before being added to the saucepan.
What heat setting should be used for simmering?
After reaching a boil, reduce the heat to low to allow the mixture to simmer.
Is this recipe suitable for Thanksgiving?
Yes, it is tagged as a holiday side dish and is perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings.
Can I use a different type of red wine?
While Cabernet Sauvignon is suggested, any dry red wine would likely work as a substitute.
What should I serve with this relish?
It pairs well with roasted meats, cheese platters, or as a festive side dish.
Is the pan covered or uncovered during simmering?
The saucepan should be partially covered while the relish simmers.
How large should the cinnamon stick be?
The recipe calls for one 3-inch whole cinnamon stick.
What is the texture of this relish?
It is a blend of softened cranberries in a thickened wine syrup with citrus and spice notes.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and involves simple simmering steps.
How often should I stir the mixture?
You should stir frequently while dissolving the sugar and constantly once the cranberries are added to prevent sticking.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
The recipe specifies fresh cranberries, though frozen can often be substituted if fresh are unavailable.
How much wine is used?
The recipe requires 1 cup of Cabernet Sauvignon wine.
What is the purpose of the citrus zest?
The tangerine or orange rind adds a bright, citrusy note that balances the tartness of the cranberries.
How much zest is needed?
You will need 2 teaspoons of zested rind.
What size package of cranberries is needed?
The recipe requires one 12-ounce package of fresh cranberries.
Does this relish contain any fat?
Based on the ingredients, this relish is naturally fat-free.
What kind of saucepan should I use?
A medium saucepan is recommended for this recipe.
Can I store the leftovers?
Yes, the relish can be covered and chilled in the refrigerator.