Zesty Fresh Cranberry-Apple Relish
This vibrant Zesty Fresh Cranberry-Apple Relish takes center stage at Thanksgiving dinner, adding a refreshing burst of flavor to the traditional meal. Inspired by my mother's cherished recipe, this cranberry relish combines tart cranberries, crisp Granny Smith apples, and citrusy orange for a delightful contrast to savory turkey. The sweetness of the sugar beautifully balances the tartness of the cranberries, while the orange juice adds a bright acidity that ties everything together. Customize the sweetness and citrus notes to suit your taste, ensuring that this relish becomes a favorite on your holiday table. Taste the love and tradition in every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cranberries
12 ounces (Fresh, rinsed and sorted)
Granny Smith Apples
2 (Quartered, peel left on)
Orange
1 (Peeled and separated into wedges)
Orange Juice
2 cups (Freshly squeezed or bottled)
Sugar
1/2 cup (Granulated)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the cranberries under cold water and removing any that are soft or spoiled.
2
In a blender, combine 1 cup of cranberries, 1 quartered Granny Smith apple (peel on), 1 orange wedge, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1/4 cup of orange juice.
3
Pulse the blender a few times to chop up the ingredients. Use a wooden spoon to push any stuck cranberries down towards the blades. Continue pulsing until the mixture reaches a relish-like consistency, smooth but not fully pureed.
4
Transfer the chopped mixture to a medium-sized mixing bowl.
5
Repeat this blending process with the remaining cranberries, apples, orange wedges, sugar, and orange juice until all ingredients are processed.
6
Once combined, mix everything together in the bowl to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
7
For the best taste, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours prior to serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Fresh Cranberry-Apple Relish?
It is a vibrant, fresh side dish made from raw cranberries, apples, and oranges, typically served during Thanksgiving.
Is this relish cooked?
No, this is a fresh relish that is blended raw and then chilled.
What type of apples should I use?
The recipe specifically recommends using Granny Smith apples for their tartness and crisp texture.
Should I peel the apples before blending?
No, keep the peel on the apples to add color and texture to the relish.
How many cranberries are needed?
You will need 12 ounces of fresh cranberries, rinsed and sorted.
Can I use bottled orange juice?
Yes, you can use either freshly squeezed or bottled orange juice.
How long does the relish need to chill?
It should be chilled in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours prior to serving.
What is the purpose of chilling the relish?
Chilling allows the tart and sweet flavors to meld together beautifully.
Can I adjust the sugar level?
Yes, you can customize the sweetness to suit your taste by adding more or less sugar.
What equipment do I need?
You will need a blender or food processor to chop the ingredients and a mixing bowl.
How do I prevent the relish from becoming a puree?
Pulse the blender a few times rather than running it continuously to maintain a chunky consistency.
What if the cranberries get stuck in the blender blades?
Use a wooden spoon to push the ingredients down toward the blades between pulses.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe consists entirely of plant-based ingredients.
Is the orange juice added all at once?
The recipe suggests adding the juice in batches as you blend the ingredients.
How many oranges are required?
One whole orange, peeled and separated into wedges, is used in this recipe.
What is the total amount of sugar used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of granulated sugar.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, though fresh is preferred, frozen cranberries can be used if they are thawed and drained first.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How should I store leftover relish?
Store any leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator.
How long will the relish stay fresh?
It will generally stay fresh for 3 to 5 days when kept refrigerated.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes, many people like to add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
What does the relish pair well with?
It is a perfect accompaniment to roasted turkey, ham, or other savory holiday meats.
Can I use a food processor instead of a blender?
Yes, a food processor is excellent for achieving the desired coarse texture.
How many apples are needed?
The recipe requires 2 Granny Smith apples.
Does this relish contain fat?
No, this fruit-based relish is naturally fat-free.
Can I substitute honey for the sugar?
Yes, honey or maple syrup can be used as a liquid sweetener alternative.
Why should I sort the cranberries?
Sorting ensures that you remove any soft, bruised, or spoiled berries before blending.
Is the orange peel used?
The recipe instructions state to use orange wedges, implying the outer peel is removed.
Can I make this several days in advance?
Yes, it holds up well and the flavor actually improves after the first day.
What is the flavor profile?
It is a refreshing balance of tart, sweet, and citrusy flavors.