Spiced Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This spiced cranberry sauce offers a vibrant twist on a classic favorite, blending tart cranberries with warm spices and a hint of citrus. It’s perfect for adding a festive touch to your holiday meals or any occasion that calls for a flavorful condiment.
Ingredients
- 250g fresh or frozen cranberries
- 2 tbsp pomegranate molasses or balsamic vinegar
- ½ orange, finely zested and juiced
- 2 tbsp golden caster sugar, plus extra if needed
- Pinch of ground allspice
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan.
- Step 2: Bring to a gentle simmer over low heat and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries have burst and the sauce is thick, glossy, and sticky.
- Step 3: Taste the sauce and add more sugar if you prefer it sweeter. Stir well to dissolve.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and leave to cool before serving or storing.
Tips & Variations
- Use pomegranate molasses for a fruity depth or balsamic vinegar for a sharper tang.
- Add a cinnamon stick or a few cloves during cooking for extra warming spice notes.
- For a smoother texture, pulse the cooled sauce briefly in a blender.
Storage
Store the cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze it for up to two months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh and frozen cranberries interchangeably?
Yes, both fresh and frozen cranberries work well. Frozen cranberries will thaw as they cook and release their juices similarly to fresh ones.
What can I serve this spiced cranberry sauce with?
This sauce pairs beautifully with roast turkey, chicken, pork, or even as a topping for desserts like cheesecake or ice cream.
PrintSpiced Cranberry Sauce Recipe
This spiced cranberry sauce is a vibrant and flavorful condiment that perfectly balances tart cranberries with the rich sweetness of pomegranate molasses and warm spices. Ideal for holiday meals or as a tangy addition to everyday dishes, it is quick to prepare and can be stored for convenience.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup (240 ml) 1x
- Category: Condiment/Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Western/International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 250g fresh or frozen cranberries
- 2 tbsp pomegranate molasses or balsamic vinegar
- ½ orange, finely zested and juiced
- 2 tbsp golden caster sugar, plus extra if needed
- Pinch of ground allspice
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: Tip all the ingredients—cranberries, pomegranate molasses or balsamic vinegar, orange zest and juice, golden caster sugar, and ground allspice—into a saucepan.
- Simmer gently: Place the saucepan over low heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cook until thickened: Continue cooking for about 10 minutes until the cranberries burst open and the sauce becomes thick, glossy, and sticky in texture.
- Adjust sweetness: Taste the sauce and add extra sugar if you prefer a sweeter flavor. Stir well to incorporate.
- Cool and store: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the sauce to cool completely. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for up to two months.
Notes
- Using frozen cranberries is a convenient alternative to fresh berries without compromising the taste.
- Pomegranate molasses gives a lovely tartness; balsamic vinegar is a suitable substitute but will alter the flavor slightly.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more caster sugar as the cranberries’ tartness can vary by batch.
- This sauce pairs excellently with roasted meats, cheese boards, and can also be used as a spread.
Keywords: cranberry sauce, holiday sauce, spiced cranberry, pomegranate molasses sauce, tangy cranberry condiment, easy cranberry sauce
