Zesty Sugar-Free Cranberry-Orange Relish
This Zesty Sugar-Free Cranberry-Orange Relish is a cherished family recipe that has transcended generations, making it a beloved staple at holiday dinners. It's a fresh, vibrant, and zesty condiment that balances the tartness of cranberries with the bright citrus flavor of oranges. Created with Splenda for a healthier option, this relish is not only diabetic-friendly but also caters to those mindful of their sugar intake. Optional chopped pecans add a delightful crunch, enhancing the texture and flavor of this refreshing dish. Whether you choose to prepare it the day before or serve it immediately, this relish will undoubtedly elevate your holiday feast and impress your guests with its delightful taste.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh cranberries
24 ounces (washed and drained)
Large oranges
2 (unpeeled and cut into sections)
Splenda granular
2 cups (sugar substitute)
Chopped pecans
1 cup (optional, for added texture)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the fresh cranberries thoroughly under cold water. Set aside in a colander to drain.
2
Next, wash the oranges carefully to remove any wax or impurities. Do not peel them as the zest adds important flavor.
3
Cut each orange into eight equal sections, making it easier for processing.
4
In a food processor, combine the cranberries and orange sections. Pulse until finely chopped but not pureed; a chunky texture is desirable.
5
Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl and stir in the Splenda until evenly blended. If you are using pecans, fold them in at this stage.
6
Taste and adjust sweetness if desired by adding a bit more Splenda.
7
For best flavor, refrigerate the relish for a few hours or overnight before serving. However, it can also be enjoyed immediately if you're in a hurry.
8
Serve chilled or at room temperature as a complimentary side to your holiday dinner.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Sugar-Free Cranberry-Orange Relish?
It is a fresh, vibrant, and zesty condiment that balances the tartness of cranberries with bright citrus flavors, made without added sugar.
Is this recipe suitable for diabetics?
Yes, this relish is created with Splenda as a sugar substitute, making it diabetic-friendly and suitable for those monitoring sugar intake.
What are the main ingredients required?
The recipe requires 24 ounces of fresh cranberries, 2 large oranges, 2 cups of Splenda granular, and an optional 1 cup of chopped pecans.
Do I need to peel the oranges before processing?
No, you should not peel the oranges because the zest adds essential flavor to the relish.
How should I prepare the oranges?
Wash the oranges carefully to remove wax or impurities, then cut each orange into eight equal sections.
What tool is needed to chop the ingredients?
A food processor is used to combine and pulse the cranberries and orange sections.
What is the desired texture of the relish?
The mixture should be finely chopped but not pureed; a chunky texture is the goal.
Which sugar substitute is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 cups of Splenda granular.
Are the pecans mandatory?
No, the chopped pecans are optional but add a delightful crunch and texture if included.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, for the best flavor, it is recommended to refrigerate the relish for a few hours or even overnight before serving.
Can the relish be served immediately?
Yes, if you are in a hurry, it can be enjoyed immediately after preparation.
How should the relish be served?
It can be served either chilled or at room temperature as a side dish.
Is this a traditional recipe?
Yes, it is described as a cherished family recipe that has transcended generations.
What holidays is this dish best suited for?
It is a popular staple for holiday dinners and Thanksgiving feasts.
How many ounces of cranberries are needed?
You will need 24 ounces of fresh cranberries.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the relish?
Yes, you can taste the mixture and add more Splenda if a sweeter flavor is desired.
Should the cranberries be washed?
Yes, rinse the fresh cranberries thoroughly under cold water and drain them before use.
Is this recipe low-calorie?
Yes, it is tagged as a low-calorie recipe due to the use of sugar substitutes and fresh fruit.
What flavor profile does this relish have?
It features a balance of tart cranberries and bright, zesty citrus from the unpeeled oranges.
How many oranges are used?
The recipe calls for 2 large oranges.
When do I add the pecans?
If using pecans, fold them into the mixture after stirring in the Splenda.
Is this a cooked or raw relish?
This is a fresh, raw relish that is processed in a food processor without cooking.
What is the role of the orange sections?
The orange sections provide the bulk of the citrus flavor and moisture for the relish.
How much pecans should I use?
The recipe recommends using 1 cup of chopped pecans.
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
While the recipe specifies pecans, you could likely substitute other nuts, though pecans are traditional for this version.
What type of Splenda is used?
Splenda granular is the specific type of sugar substitute required.
Is the relish tart or sweet?
It is designed to balance the natural tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of Splenda.
Should the relish be served cold?
It is typically served chilled for the best refreshing taste.
What makes this relish 'zesty'?
The inclusion of the whole orange (including the peel/zest) provides a sharp, zesty citrus note.
Does the relish contain any fat?
The base recipe is fat-free, though adding optional pecans will introduce some healthy fats.