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This easy Cranberry sauce is a delicious concoction made from fresh, seasonal or frozen cranberries. Some sugar is added to tame the tartness of the berries, while warm spices like cinnamon and star anise infuse together with the juice and peel of fresh orange, creating a perfectly balanced condiment.
Surprisingly easy to whip up, this recipe can be ready in under an hour, or even just 30 minutes if you’re a speedy chef!
Planning ahead not only grants you more precious time to focus on the main festive meal but also allows the cranberry sauce to develop a deeper, more complex taste.
Is cranberry sauce gluten-free?
Cranberry sauce made from scratch is naturally gluten-free. However, if you’re thinking of purchasing a pre-made sauce, be sure to scrutinize the label for any hidden gluten, as certain brands may use flour as a thickening agent.
By making it at home, you can enjoy a sauce that is not only free from preservatives but also typically lower in salt and sugar, making it a healthier choice.
Cranberry Sauce Textures:
Creating the perfect cranberry sauce is an art of texture – a personal choice of thick or thin, chunky or smooth.
CHUNKY THICK
When cooking the cranberries, they gently pop, collapse, and retain a slightly intact texture – ideal for those who enjoy a hearty, chunky sauce. For a thicker consistency, allow the sauce to cook down for a few extra minutes or reduce the amount of orange juice added.
SMOOTH THIN
To achieve a silky smooth texture, transfer the cooled, cooked cranberry sauce to a blender or use a stick blender (remember to remove the cinnamon stick, star anise, and orange slice). Blitz until the sauce reaches a smooth consistency. To lighten the sauce, simply add a teaspoon or two of boiling water and mix well. Adjust the water quantity as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Which is better: fresh or frozen cranberries?
Both options yield delicious results, but there are a few factors to consider. Frozen cranberries may require some planning ahead to defrost or cook them directly from frozen. However, they may take a few extra minutes to cook down. On the other hand, fresh cranberries are typically available in most Northern Hemisphere countries from October to the rest of winter, making them a logical choice. For those in the Southern Hemisphere, opting for frozen cranberries is a sensible decision.
Ways to enjoy cranberry sauce:
Cranberry sauce is the beloved companion and essential condiment to many a festive feast.
If you’re a devoted fan of cranberry sauce, rejoice to know that it harmonizes seamlessly with a variety of festive savoury dishes, from roasts to meatballs and pates to terrines.
It also makes an excellent addition to a cheese board, particularly when paired with creamy Brie or Camembert.
For a gourmet touch, blend some leftover cranberry sauce with your preferred mayonnaise to create a spread for your turkey sandwiches.
