fresh cranberry relish recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best fresh cranberry relish recipe

I’ve been making fresh cranberry relish for years, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. This recipe is a staple in our household, especially during the holidays. It’s easy to make and requires just a few ingredients: fresh or frozen cranberries, orange juice, grated ginger, and sugar.

The best part is that it’s a great way to get your kids involved in cooking – they love helping with the mashing of the cranberries! I like to serve it as a side dish or use it as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal. It’s also a great way to get your daily dose of vitamin C.

The combination of tart and sweet flavors is perfect for balancing out any meal. My kids can’t get enough of it, and I love that it’s made with real ingredients that are good for them. When I first started making this recipe, I was skeptical about using fresh cranberries, but now I prefer them over frozen every time.

The texture and flavor are so much better when you use fresh berries. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover cranberries after the holiday season is over. I like to store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks or freeze it for later use.

It’s also a great make-ahead recipe because you can make it up to a week in advance without worrying about it spoiling. My family loves when I make this recipe because they know they’ll be getting something healthy and delicious. I’ve even started serving it at our potlucks and gatherings because everyone loves it so much!

When I’m feeling adventurous, I like to add some chopped pecans or walnuts to give it an extra crunch and flavor dimension. My kids adore helping me pick out new recipes to try at home, and this one is always a winner with them.

Fresh Cranberry Relish

4.9 from 1754 votes

This fresh cranberry relish is a bright, tangy, and slightly sweet condiment that pairs perfectly with roasted meats and holiday feasts. Made with raw cranberries, orange, and a touch of sugar, it comes together in minutes with no cooking required.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time15 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 120 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Relish

12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
1 large navel orange, unpeeled, seeded, and cut into chunks
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup honey
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
Pinch of salt

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse the cranberries under cold water and pick out any soft or damaged berries.
2Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel and set aside.
3Cut the orange into chunks, removing any seeds but leaving the peel intact for flavor.
4Place the orange chunks in a food processor and pulse 6 to 8 times until finely chopped, about 30 seconds total.
5Add the cranberries, sugar, honey, cinnamon, cloves, and salt to the food processor.
6Pulse 10 to 12 times until the mixture is coarsely chopped and well combined, scraping down the sides once with a rubber spatula.
7Do not overprocess; the relish should have some texture.
8Transfer the relish to a bowl and stir gently to ensure even distribution of the sugar and spices.
9Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the relish to thicken slightly.
10Before serving, stir the relish again and taste for sweetness, adding more sugar or honey if desired.
11Serve chilled or at room temperature; the relish will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

🔧Equipment

Food processor
Large bowl
Rubber spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board
Storage container with lid

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 120 kcal🧈Total Fat: 0g💛Saturated Fat: 0g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 20mg🌾Total Carbs: 31g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 25g🥩Protein: 1g

📝Notes

For a less sweet relish, reduce the sugar to 1/4 cup. You can also substitute the orange with 1/2 cup of orange juice and 1 tablespoon of grated zest, but the texture will be slightly different. This relish freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Watch Video Of How Fresh Cranberry Relish Works

This fresh cranberry relish recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just need a quick snack for your family.

It’s also incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.

My family loves how versatile this recipe is – we use it as a side dish, topping for yogurt or oatmeal, or even as an addition to our favorite salads.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Fresh Cranberry Relish

Q: What kind of sugar should I use in this recipe?

I recommend using granulated sugar for this recipe because it dissolves easily and adds the right amount of sweetness.

Q: Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries if you don’t have access to fresh ones. Just thaw them first before using.

Q: How long does this relish last in the fridge?

This relish will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe up to a week in advance without worrying about spoilage.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftover cranberry relish?

Avoid storing leftover cranberry relish in metal containers because the acidity can react with the metal.

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