Description
A simple and tangy cranberry sauce made from fresh cranberries, sugar, and water, with an optional hint of orange zest. This classic side dish is perfect for adding a burst of flavor to holiday meals like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the syrup: Combine the water and sugar in a medium saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar completely.
- Add cranberries: Once the syrup is boiling, add the fresh cranberries to the saucepan and return to a boil, stirring gently to combine.
- Simmer the sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the cranberries burst and the sauce starts to thicken.
- Add orange zest: Stir in the orange zest if using, enhancing the sauce with a subtle citrus aroma and flavor.
- Cool and serve: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the cranberry sauce to cool to room temperature. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- This cranberry sauce can be made a day or two ahead and refrigerated; it will keep well for up to one week.
- Adjust the amount of sugar based on your preferred level of sweetness or tartness of the cranberries.
- For a smoother texture, you can mash some of the cranberries while simmering.
- Consider adding spices like cinnamon or cloves for a spiced variation.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
