Easy Cranberry Sauce with Orange Juice
User Reviews
5
Easy Cranberry Sauce with Orange Juice
Description
Easy Cranberry Sauce with Orange Juice blends cranberries with a mixture of orange juice and water, sweetened by sugar, and gently simmered to develop flavor and texture. The addition of optional orange zest introduces an aromatic citrus layer. The simmering process breaks the cranberries open slightly, thickening the sauce as it cools to room temperature and then chills. This sauce offers a fresh-tart contrast, suitable as a condiment alongside meats or as a spread. Adjustments can be made for texture by blending some of the sauce or for consistency with added liquid or cornstarch.
The cooking method emphasizes stirring to dissolve sugar, careful simmering without overcooking to maintain some berry texture, and gradual thickening during cooling. Cooling also allows flavors to meld more fully. This preparation highlights the natural tartness of cranberries balanced by orange juice and sweetness.
For serving, it's an ideal accompaniment to poultry or holiday meals, providing a bright and tangy component that complements richer dishes. Chilling improves both texture and flavor melding, so it's best prepared ahead. Adjust sweetness or texture to personal preference before chilling.
Note that orange zest is added near the end to prevent bitterness, and the sauce can be thickened with cornstarch if needed. Using an immersion blender can create a smoother texture depending on preference.
Ingredients
- ½ cup of water
- ½ cup of orange juice
- ¾ cup sugar depending on sweetness preference
- 1 Cranberry fresh or frozen
- ½ teaspoon orange zest optional
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over high heat, bring the water and orange juice to a boil. Add in the sugar and stir until it is dissolved.
- Pour in the cranberries and stir until they begin to burst, then lower heat to a simmer, add in the orange zest (if using), and allow to cook for 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature. Place it in the refrigerator for an hour to chill and continue thickening.
Notes
- To avoid bitterness, add orange zest late in the cooking process.
- Blend some or all of the sauce with an immersion blender for a smoother texture if desired.
- Adjust consistency by varying liquid amounts or thickening with cornstarch; sauce thickens more once chilled.
- Cool sauce to room temperature before refrigerating to help flavors meld and to thicken properly.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4- 6
Amount Per Serving
Calories 198 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 198kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 51g | 17% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 0.3g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.01g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1g | 1% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.03g | 0% |
| Sodium | 4mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 131mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 44g | 88% |
| Vitamin A | 114IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 28mg | 31% |
| Calcium | 12mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.3mg | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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