As the holidays approach, my kitchen transforms into a hub of delicious aromas and delightful flavors. One dish that stands out every year is my Traditional Cranberry Relish. Picture this: vibrant, fresh cranberries bursting with tangy goodness, perfectly balanced by the sweetness of sugar and the bright zest of orange. It’s that refreshing contrast that makes this relish a standout alongside richer holiday fare.
I stumbled upon this effortless recipe during one Thanksgiving when I realized I needed something quick yet impressive to accompany the turkey. With just three simple ingredients, it couldn’t be easier to prepare! The best part? It’s a million times tastier than any canned version you can buy, and trust me, it adds a splash of color and flavor that everyone at the table will love. Let’s dive into how to create this holiday staple that not only elevates your feast but also makes meal prep a breeze!
Why is Traditional Cranberry Relish a Must-Make?
Simplicity at its finest: This recipe requires just three ingredients, making it perfect for even the busiest holiday chefs. Vibrant flavors come together harmoniously, offering a deliciously tart and sweet experience that elevates any meal. Quick preparation means you can whip it up in no time, freeing you to focus on other dishes. Crowd-pleaser guaranteed: It adds a pop of color and a burst of flavor that guests will rave about! Plus, it’s a fantastic make-ahead option to minimize stress on the big day. Don’t miss out; try this twist on a classic and impress your friends and family!
Traditional Cranberry Relish Ingredients
• Get ready to zest up your holiday!
- For the Relish
- 12 oz fresh cranberries – The star of the show, providing that essential tartness.
- 1 cup sugar – Sweetens the relish beautifully, balancing the flavors of the cranberries.
- 1 orange (zest and juice, about 1/2 cup juice) – Adds zesty brightness and a slight acidity, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Using these simple ingredients, your Traditional Cranberry Relish will shine on the holiday table!
How to Make Traditional Cranberry Relish
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Zest the orange: Begin by zesting your orange and setting the zest aside. Then, cut off the ends of the orange and slice it into 8 wedges, making sure to remove any seeds as you go.
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Rinse the cranberries: Take your fresh cranberries and rinse them under cold water, discarding any that are soft or discolored. Pat them dry to keep your relish from getting watery.
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Combine in a processor: In a food processor, add the rinsed cranberries, orange wedges (with peel), sugar, and the reserved orange zest. It’s time to blend these flavors!
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Pulse to desired consistency: Pulse the mixture a few times to break it down, then process until you achieve your preferred texture—smooth or chunky, it’s your choice!
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Taste and adjust: Give your relish a taste and adjust the sweetness if needed. Remember, it will taste a bit less sweet once chilled.
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Chill the mixture: Transfer your cranberry mixture to a bowl and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour (or up to 3 days) to allow those incredible flavors to meld beautifully together.
Optional: For a festive twist, mix in some chopped nuts for extra crunch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Traditional Cranberry Relish
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Fridge: Store your Traditional Cranberry Relish in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. It will continue to develop flavor as it sits, making each bite even better!
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Freezer: If you want to keep it longer, freeze the relish in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Make sure to leave some space for expansion.
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Thawing: To enjoy frozen relish, transfer it to the fridge for at least 24 hours before serving. Avoid thawing at room temperature to maintain quality.
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Reheating: Since it’s served cold, there’s no need to reheat Traditional Cranberry Relish. Just give it a good stir before enjoying to refresh the flavors!
Traditional Cranberry Relish Variations
Feel free to get creative with your relish! Here are some delightful twists to customize this festive favorite.
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Nuts: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch that complements the tartness beautifully. The nutty flavor will add an extra layer of richness.
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Spices: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to infuse warmth and holiday spirit into your relish. Just a pinch can transform the flavor profile and make it irresistibly cozy.
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Citrus Twist: Swap the orange for blood oranges or grapefruits for a unique and vibrant spin. These alternatives offer a different color and flavor, brightening your dish even more.
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Heat: For those who enjoy a bit of spice, incorporate finely chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. It’ll give your relish an unexpected kick that balances the sweetness.
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Herbs: Try adding fresh mint or cilantro for a refreshing twist. Their aromatic qualities can elevate the relish, giving it a bright, herbaceous finish.
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Dried Fruits: Fold in some dried cranberries or cherries for added texture and sweetness. This variation enhances the fruity experience while keeping the relish feeling fresh.
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Vinaigrette: Mix in a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for a tangy depth that complements the sweet and tart notes of the cranberries. This will create a more complex flavor that’s sure to impress.
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Pineapple: Experiment with crushed pineapple for a tropical twist. The sweetness and juiciness will add a whole new dimension to your cranberry relish, making it a tropical delight!
Make Ahead Options
These Traditional Cranberry Relish preparations shine for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the relish up to 3 days in advance, allowing flavors to develop and intensify. Simply follow the recipe instructions, but instead of serving immediately, refrigerate the mixture in an airtight container after blending. This not only saves you time on the big day but also ensures that your relish is just as delicious as freshly made. When you’re ready to serve, give it a gentle stir and taste for sweetness adjustments, if needed. This way, both you and your guests can enjoy a refreshing and vibrant accompaniment to your holiday feast with minimal last-minute effort!
What to Serve with Traditional Cranberry Relish?
Imagine your holiday table bursting with flavor and color, where each dish complements the other in perfect harmony.
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Roasted Turkey: This classic pairing enhances the juicy richness of turkey with the delightful tartness of the relish, creating a mouthwatering contrast every holiday meal deserves.
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Baked Ham: The sweetness of ham beautifully balances with the tangy, zesty notes of the relish, creating a perfect duet of flavors.
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Cream Cheese Spread: Spread your cranberry relish over a block of cream cheese on a festive platter. Serve with crackers for an easy yet elegant appetizer that’s sure to impress guests!
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Stuffing: Elevate your stuffing by adding a dollop of cranberry relish on top, introducing a burst of freshness that enlivens each bite.
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Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes provide a comforting base, while the relish adds a refreshing twist that cuts through the richness, bringing brightness to your plate.
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Green Bean Almondine: This dish’s crunch and nutty flavor complement the relish’s vibrant acidity, creating a lovely balance of textures and taste.
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Pecan Pie: For dessert, enjoy a slice of pecan pie alongside your relish. The sweet, nutty flavors mingle delightfully with the tang, offering a deliciously unexpected conclusion to the meal.
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Sparkling Cider: Pairing your meal with a glass of sparkling cider adds a festive touch, enhancing the bright, fruity notes of the cranberry relish with every sip.
Expert Tips for Traditional Cranberry Relish
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Wash Thoroughly: Always wash the orange before zesting, as you’ll be using the peel. This ensures it’s clean and safe to eat.
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Texture Matters: Avoid over-processing the mixture; a chunky consistency gives more texture and bite, enhancing your Traditional Cranberry Relish.
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Chill to Perfection: Letting the relish sit in the fridge overnight can deepen the flavors and balance the sweetness, making it even more delightful.
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Storage Savvy: Store in an airtight container, and remember that it lasts up to 2 weeks in the fridge or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
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Taste Test: Adjust sweetness before chilling, as it will mellow out once served. A quick taste test before refrigeration can make all the difference!
Traditional Cranberry Relish Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting fresh cranberries?
Absolutely! When choosing fresh cranberries, look for firm berries that are bright in color and have a shiny appearance. Avoid any with soft spots, wrinkles, or dark blemishes. If fresh cranberries aren’t available, you can also use frozen cranberries without any need to thaw them prior to use.
How should I store my Traditional Cranberry Relish?
You can store your Traditional Cranberry Relish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. As it sits, the flavors will continue to develop, making each bite even more delicious as the days go by. Just be sure to stir it well before serving!
Can I freeze Traditional Cranberry Relish?
Yes, you can freeze your relish! Simply place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, leaving some space for expansion. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, transfer it to the fridge for 24 hours to thaw. For best results, avoid thawing at room temperature to maintain its quality.
What if my relish turns out too sweet?
Very good question! If you find your Traditional Cranberry Relish too sweet for your taste, don’t worry! You can easily balance it by adding a little extra acidity. Start with a teaspoon of additional fresh orange juice or a splash of lemon juice and mix it in with the relish. Give it a taste after each addition until you reach your desired flavor balance.
Can I make Traditional Cranberry Relish ahead of time?
Absolutely! I often make my relish up to 3 days in advance. Making it ahead not only saves you time on the holiday but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully in the fridge, resulting in an even more flavorful relish when it’s time to serve!
Is this recipe suitable for special diets?
Yes! The Traditional Cranberry Relish is gluten-free and can be easily adapted for various dietary needs. If you’d like to reduce sugar, you can substitute it with your favorite sweetener, just be sure to adjust to taste as some sweeteners can be much sweeter than sugar. As always, check your ingredients to ensure they’re suitable for your personal dietary requirements!
Delicious Traditional Cranberry Relish: 3 Ingredients Only
Equipment
- Food processor
Ingredients
For the Relish
- 12 oz fresh cranberries The star of the show, providing that essential tartness.
- 1 cup sugar Sweetens the relish beautifully, balancing the flavors of the cranberries.
- 1 orange orange (zest and juice) Adds zesty brightness and a slight acidity, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Instructions
How to Make Traditional Cranberry Relish
- Zest the orange: Begin by zesting your orange and setting the zest aside. Then, cut off the ends of the orange and slice it into 8 wedges, making sure to remove any seeds as you go.
- Rinse the cranberries: Take your fresh cranberries and rinse them under cold water, discarding any that are soft or discolored. Pat them dry to keep your relish from getting watery.
- Combine in a processor: In a food processor, add the rinsed cranberries, orange wedges (with peel), sugar, and the reserved orange zest. It's time to blend these flavors!
- Pulse to desired consistency: Pulse the mixture a few times to break it down, then process until you achieve your preferred texture—smooth or chunky, it's your choice!
- Taste and adjust: Give your relish a taste and adjust the sweetness if needed. Remember, it will taste a bit less sweet once chilled.
- Chill the mixture: Transfer your cranberry mixture to a bowl and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour (or up to 3 days) to allow those incredible flavors to meld beautifully together.