Cranberry Sauce with Dried Cranberries
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
376 kcal
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Course
Condiments
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Cuisine
American
Cranberry Sauce with Dried Cranberries
Description
The sauce blends dried cranberries with orange juice, cranberry juice, sugar, and optional orange zest in a saucepan. Heating the mixture to a boil and then simmering allows the berries to rehydrate and plump, releasing natural flavor and softening their texture.
To achieve a thicker consistency, a slurry of cornstarch and water is stirred slowly into the hot mixture. The sauce thickens during cooking and will continue to set as it cools, resulting in a glossy, smooth texture that complements its fruity and tangy flavors.
Cranberry sauce is traditionally served as a condiment alongside poultry or holiday meals but can also enhance sandwiches or cheese plates. Adding warm spices such as cinnamon, cloves, or ginger can deepen the aroma and flavor with just a pinch each.
Soaking dried cranberries before cooking can yield a juicier sauce, and sweetness can be adjusted to taste by varying the sugar amount. Cooling the sauce for at least 30 minutes improves thickness and glossiness.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups dried cranberries
- ¾ cup orange juice
- 2 teaspoons orange zest optional
- ¾ cup cranberry juice
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons corn starch optional, for thickening
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup water optional, for thickening
Instructions
- Add dried cranberries, orange juice and orange zest, cranberry juice, and sugar to a medium saucepan.
- Heat and stir until the mixture starts to boil. Then, reduce heat to a simmer and cook until the cranberries plump up, about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Make a slurry with cornstarch and ¼ cup of water. Slowly drizzle this slurry into the sauce mixture while stirring. Stir for at least one minute, until the sauce thickens. Sauce will thicken more as it cools!
Notes
- Soak dried cranberries in warm water 15-30 minutes before cooking for richer flavor and plumper texture.
- Add warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, or ginger in small amounts to enhance aroma without overpowering.
- Adjust sugar to taste to balance the sauce's sweetness.
- Let the sauce cool at room temperature or chill for at least 30 minutes to allow it to thicken and develop a smooth, glossy texture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 376 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 376kcal | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 83g | 28% |
| Protein | 11g | 22% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.2g | 1% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3g | 2% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.1g | 1% |
| Sodium | 6mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 728mg | 15% |
| Fiber | 12g | 48% |
| Sugar | 48g | 96% |
| Vitamin A | 76IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 30mg | 33% |
| Calcium | 71mg | 7% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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