This spiced cranberry sauce is the perfect mix of tart and sweet, thanks to the rich flavors of orange and ginger. It’s a vibrant addition to any holiday meal!
Making it is a breeze! I love how it fills the kitchen with a cozy aroma. Plus, it’s a great way to impress guests with something homemade and delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are key to this recipe. If you can’t find them, frozen cranberries can work just as well. Just rinse and use them straight from the freezer, no thawing needed!
Orange Juice and Zest: Fresh orange juice makes a big flavor difference, but if you’re in a pinch, bottled juice will do. Just be sure to choose a good-quality option. The zest adds brightness, so don’t skip it!
Ginger: Fresh ginger brings a warm zing to the sauce. If you don’t have it, ground ginger can be a substitute, but use about 1/3 the amount since it’s more concentrated. I prefer fresh for that extra kick!
Sugar: White granulated sugar is classic, but you can use brown sugar for a richer flavor. Agave nectar or honey can also work if you’re looking for alternatives to make it less sweet or to cater to different diets.
How Do I Get the Right Consistency for My Cranberry Sauce?
The consistency of your cranberry sauce is important for the perfect texture. Start by boiling the mixture as instructed. The cranberries will burst, creating a thick sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If it seems too runny at the end, don’t worry! Let it cool, as it will thicken more once it’s at room temperature.
- Don’t rush the simmering process; it’s key for the flavors to develop.
- Always taste before serving! You can adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar if needed.
Spiced Cranberry Sauce With Orange And Ginger
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 large orange)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 whole star anise
- Optional: extra orange slices and star anise for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, for a total of about 30 minutes. After cooking, let it cool down to room temperature before serving. You can also refrigerate it ahead of time, making it a convenient dish for holiday meals or gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Cranberries:
First, rinse the fresh cranberries under cold water and look for any that are soft or shriveled. Discard any bad berries, as you want the freshest ones for your sauce!
2. Combine Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, mix the rinsed cranberries, granulated sugar, fresh orange juice, orange zest, finely grated ginger, water, cinnamon stick, and star anise. Stir the ingredients together gently.
3. Bring to a Boil:
Set your saucepan over medium-high heat. Allow the mixture to come to a boil, watching closely so it doesn’t bubble over. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low to let it simmer.
4. Simmer and Stir:
While the mixture simmers, stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. You’ll notice the cranberries bursting and the sauce starting to thicken. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
5. Finishing Touches:
Once the sauce has thickened, take the saucepan off the heat. Carefully remove and discard the cinnamon stick and star anise, as they’re no longer needed.
6. Cool and Serve:
Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature. As it cools, it will thicken further. You can either serve it right away or transfer it to a bowl and refrigerate it until you’re ready to use it.
7. Garnish and Enjoy!
Before serving, if you’d like, garnish your scrumptious cranberry sauce with some fresh orange slices and a star anise for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy this vibrant, spiced sauce with your meals!
This delightful sauce balances tartness and warm spices with bright citrus flavors, making it a perfect companion for turkey, ham, or even spread on toast. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use frozen cranberries without thawing them. Just rinse them under cold water before adding them to your saucepan. They will cook down similarly to fresh cranberries.
Can I Make This Sauce in Advance?
Yes! This cranberry sauce can be made up to a week in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen and improve after a day or two!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cranberry sauce in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before using.
What Can I Substitute for Orange Juice?
If you don’t have fresh orange juice, you can use bottled juice, but make sure it’s 100% juice without added sugars for the best flavor. Alternatively, lemon juice can be used for a tangy twist, but start with less to avoid overpowering the sauce.