Zesty Cranberry Sauce with Crystallized Ginger
Elevate your holiday table with this delightful Zesty Cranberry Sauce featuring the warm, spicy notes of crystallized ginger. This vibrant sauce perfectly balances the tartness of fresh cranberries and the sweetness of orange juice, making it a delectable accompaniment to turkey, ham, or even as a topping for desserts. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, this sauce can be made ahead of time and allows the flavors to meld beautifully for a festive feast. Share a jar of this homemade goodness with friends and family for a delicious homemade touch this holiday season.
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cranberries
24 ounces (Fresh or frozen, rinsed)
Sugar
1.5 cups (Granulated)
Orange Juice
1 cup (Freshly squeezed, if possible)
Water
1 cup (Cold)
Orange Peel
1 tablespoon (Grated)
Ground Ginger
1 teaspoon (Fresh or dried)
Crystallized Ginger
0.5 cups (Minced)
Instructions
1
In a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, water, grated orange peel, and ground ginger.
2
Stir the mixture over medium heat until it reaches a boil, ensuring that the sugar completely dissolves.
3
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer while continuing to cook for about 5 minutes, or until the cranberries start to pop open and the mixture thickens.
4
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool down for a few minutes.
5
Stir in the minced crystallized ginger, and mix well to distribute evenly throughout the sauce.
6
Transfer the cranberry sauce to a glass or plastic container, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for optimal flavor fusion.
7
Serve chilled or at room temperature as a delicious condiment for your favorite holiday dishes.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Cranberry Sauce with Crystallized Ginger?
It is a flavorful holiday condiment that combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the sweetness of orange juice and the spicy bite of crystallized ginger.
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either fresh or frozen cranberries. If using frozen, there is no need to thaw them before cooking.
How much sugar is required for this cranberry sauce?
This recipe requires 1.5 cups of granulated sugar to balance the natural tartness of the cranberries.
What is the purpose of adding orange juice?
Orange juice adds a bright citrus sweetness and necessary liquid to help the cranberries cook down into a sauce.
Can I substitute store-bought orange juice for fresh-squeezed?
Yes, while fresh-squeezed is recommended for the best flavor, store-bought orange juice works perfectly fine.
What is crystallized ginger?
Crystallized ginger, also known as candied ginger, is fresh ginger that has been cooked in sugar syrup and then coated in sugar.
Why is the crystallized ginger added at the end of the recipe?
It is added after cooking to preserve its chewy texture and to ensure its spicy-sweet flavor remains distinct in the sauce.
How long does it take for the cranberries to pop?
Once the mixture reaches a boil and is reduced to a simmer, it typically takes about 5 minutes for the cranberries to start popping open.
Do I need to peel the orange before grating the peel?
No, you should grate the outer zest of the orange skin before peeling or juicing it to get the required 1 tablespoon of grated orange peel.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 12 servings, making it ideal for holiday gatherings.
Can I make this cranberry sauce in advance?
Yes, making it ahead of time is recommended as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully. It should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours or overnight.
How should I store the leftover sauce?
Store the sauce in a covered glass or plastic container in the refrigerator.
How long will this sauce stay fresh in the refrigerator?
When stored properly in an airtight container, it will stay fresh for up to 10 to 14 days.
Can I freeze this cranberry sauce?
Yes, cranberry sauce freezes very well. You can store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed—cranberries, sugar, orange juice, ginger, and orange peel—are naturally gluten-free.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe contains no animal products and is suitable for a vegan diet.
Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?
Yes, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger for the 1 teaspoon of ground ginger for a more intense flavor.
What can I serve with Zesty Cranberry Sauce?
It pairs excellently with traditional holiday meats like turkey and ham, or can be used as a topping for desserts like cheesecake.
Why is my cranberry sauce still thin after cooking?
The sauce will thicken significantly as it cools due to the natural pectin in the cranberries. If it is still thin after chilling, you can simmer it for a few more minutes next time.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar?
You can reduce the sugar if you prefer a tarter sauce, but keep in mind that sugar also helps with the thickening process.
Do I need to rinse the cranberries?
Yes, it is always a good idea to rinse fresh cranberries and discard any that are soft or bruised before cooking.
What size saucepan should I use?
A heavy-bottomed medium saucepan is best to ensure even heating and to prevent the sugar from burning.
Can I use lemon juice instead of orange juice?
You can, but the sauce will be much more acidic. You may need to add extra sugar to compensate for the lack of sweetness that orange juice provides.
How do I mince the crystallized ginger?
Use a sharp knife to chop the ginger into very small, fine pieces. If it is too sticky, lighty dust your knife with a little granulated sugar.
Is this sauce served hot or cold?
It can be served chilled or at room temperature, depending on your personal preference.
Does the ground ginger make the sauce spicy?
It provides a warm, aromatic depth rather than 'heat' spice, which complements the sweetness of the sugar and the tartness of the berries.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. Just ensure you use a large enough pot to accommodate the volume and allow for the bubbling of the sugar and fruit.
What if I don't have orange peel?
If you don't have an orange to zest, you can omit it, though the sauce will lose some of its citrus aroma.
Is this a good gift idea?
Yes, this homemade sauce looks beautiful in glass jars and makes a wonderful holiday gift for friends and family.
Can I use a sugar substitute?
You can use a 1:1 sugar substitute designed for cooking, but the texture and sheen of the final sauce may vary slightly.