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Perfect Jellied Cranberry Sauce with Orange – Easy Holiday Recipe

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A shimmering ruby-red sauce with the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, featuring fresh cranberries and a citrusy twist from orange zest and juice. This easy holiday recipe is a crowd-pleaser and a festive addition to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 340 grams)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams)
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (120 ml)
  • Zest from 1 large orange
  • 1/2 cup water (120 ml)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Rinse the cranberries under cold water, removing any soft or damaged berries.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, orange juice, orange zest, water, and a pinch of salt.
  3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. You’ll hear the cranberries popping.
  4. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently. The cranberries will break down and the sauce will thicken. Add a tablespoon or two of water if the sauce seems too thick.
  5. Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Leave the sauce as-is for a chunky texture or strain it for a smooth, jellied consistency.
  6. Place a fine-mesh strainer over a heatproof bowl and carefully pour the sauce through the strainer. Use a wooden spoon to press the mixture through, leaving the pulp behind.
  7. Transfer the strained sauce to a clean container or serving dish. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set.

Notes

[‘Let the cranberries simmer and pop slowly to release their natural pectin, which helps the sauce set properly.’, ‘Reduce sugar slightly for a less sweet sauce, but do not omit it entirely as it helps with texture.’, ‘Use a microplane to zest your orange finely and avoid the bitter white pith.’, ‘The sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.’, ‘For a spiced twist, add a cinnamon stick, nutmeg, or star anise to the saucepan.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry sauce, jellied cranberry sauce, holiday recipe, Thanksgiving, Christmas, orange zest, festive side dish

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/perfect-jellied-cranberry-sauce-with-orange-easy-holiday-recipe/