Description
This vibrant Cranberry Orange Sauce is a perfect balance of tart cranberries and sweet, zesty orange, sweetened naturally with honey or maple syrup. Easy to prepare in just 20 minutes, it’s a festive and fresh accompaniment ideal for holiday meals or anytime you want to brighten up your plate.
Ingredients
Scale
Liquid Ingredients
- â…“ cup fresh orange juice
- â…“ cup water
- â…” cup honey or maple syrup
Fruit & Zest
- 12 oz. fresh or previously frozen cranberries
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped orange zest
Seasoning
- â…› teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Make the Base: In a medium saucepan, combine orange juice, water, and honey. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Then reduce the heat to medium and add the cranberries, orange zest, and salt. Cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Let the Sauce Thicken: As the cranberries start to pop, remove the saucepan from heat. Use a spoon or potato masher to mash the remaining unpopped cranberries to reach your desired sauce consistency. Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled and ready to serve.
Notes
- You can substitute maple syrup for honey to keep the sauce vegan.
- Frozen cranberries can be used directly without thawing.
- Adjust the amount of orange zest for a stronger or milder citrus flavor according to your preference.
- For a smoother sauce, mash more thoroughly or pulse in a food processor briefly.
- Store the sauce airtight in the refrigerator for up to one week.
