Zesty Citrus Cranberry Relish
Elevate your Thanksgiving feast with this Zesty Citrus Cranberry Relish! A delightful twist on the classic cranberry sauce, this recipe balances the tartness of fresh cranberries with refreshing orange and apple juices while using much less sugar than traditional recipes. Bursting with zesty flavors from orange and lemon zest, this relish is not just a post-meal condiment; it's a bright addition to sandwiches, cheese boards, and holiday desserts. Perfect for enhancing your palate, it's easy to make and sure to impress your guests! Watch the video for a step-by-step guide on how to create this delightful side dish.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
orange juice
1/2 cup (Freshly squeezed or store-bought)
apple juice
1/2 cup (Freshly pressed or store-bought)
granulated sugar
1/3 cup (Regular or cane sugar)
cranberries
3 cups (Fresh or frozen, rinsed and sorted)
orange zest
1/2 teaspoon (Zested from a fresh orange)
lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon (Zested from a fresh lemon)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the orange juice, apple juice, and granulated sugar. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved and then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
2
Once boiling, carefully add the cranberries to the saucepan. Stir well and return to a boil. After reaching a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low.
3
Add the orange and lemon zest to the cranberry mixture and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cranberries begin to burst and the sauce thickens.
4
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Citrus Cranberry Relish?
It is a tart and refreshing twist on classic cranberry sauce that uses orange and apple juices and less sugar than traditional recipes.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 6 main ingredients: orange juice, apple juice, granulated sugar, cranberries, orange zest, and lemon zest.
Can I use frozen cranberries for this relish?
Yes, you can use either fresh or frozen cranberries, just ensure they are rinsed and sorted first.
Is this cranberry relish low in sugar?
Yes, it is designed to be a lower-sugar alternative to traditional cranberry sauces, using only 1/3 cup of granulated sugar.
How long does it take to cook the relish?
The mixture needs to simmer for approximately 10 minutes once the cranberries and zest are added.
What types of juice are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of orange juice and 1/2 cup of apple juice, which can be freshly squeezed/pressed or store-bought.
When should I add the citrus zest?
Add the orange and lemon zest to the saucepan after the cranberry and juice mixture has been brought back to a boil.
How do I know when the sauce is finished cooking?
The sauce is ready when the cranberries begin to burst and the liquid has thickened, which usually takes about 10 minutes of simmering.
Does the relish need to be refrigerated before serving?
Yes, after cooling at room temperature, it should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator.
What can I serve this cranberry relish with?
It is a great addition to Thanksgiving meals, sandwiches, cheese boards, and holiday desserts.
What kind of sugar should I use?
You can use regular granulated white sugar or cane sugar for this recipe.
How much orange zest is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of fresh orange zest.
How much lemon zest is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of fresh lemon zest.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, based on the ingredient list containing only fruit, fruit juices, and sugar, this recipe is vegan-friendly.
Is this relish gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this relish in advance?
Yes, because it needs at least 2 hours of refrigeration, it is an excellent make-ahead dish for the holidays.
What heat setting should I use to dissolve the sugar?
Use medium heat to combine the juices and sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Do I need to stir the mixture while it simmers?
Yes, you should stir the mixture occasionally while it simmers for 10 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Why do the cranberries need to burst?
Cranberries contain natural pectin which is released when they burst, helping the sauce to thicken naturally.
Can I use store-bought zest?
While fresh zest is recommended for the best flavor, you can use store-bought if necessary.
Is this recipe high in fat?
No, this recipe is primarily made of fruit and juice and contains virtually no fat.
Can I use this as a condiment for non-holiday meals?
Absolutely, its zesty profile makes it a versatile condiment for everyday sandwiches and cheese platters.
How much cranberry fruit is required?
You will need 3 cups of fresh or frozen cranberries.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to combine orange juice, apple juice, and granulated sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
How should I cool the sauce after cooking?
Remove it from the heat and let it sit at room temperature until it is completely cooled before moving it to the fridge.
Does this relish contain any sodium?
The recipe ingredients are naturally very low in sodium, making it a heart-healthy side dish option.
What makes this recipe 'zesty'?
The combination of fresh orange zest, lemon zest, and orange juice provides the bright, zesty citrus flavor profile.
Can I double this recipe for a large crowd?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients; just ensure you use a larger saucepan to accommodate the volume.
Is there a video guide for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe description mentions a video guide is available for a step-by-step walkthrough.