Description
A simple and tangy cranberry sauce made from fresh cranberries, sugar, and water, with an optional hint of orange zest. This classic side dish is perfect for holiday meals like Thanksgiving and Christmas, offering a sweet and tart contrast to savory dishes.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the sugar syrup: Combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar in a saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, ensuring the sugar fully dissolves.
- Add cranberries: Add 12 ounces of fresh cranberries to the boiling syrup and bring the mixture back to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
- Add orange zest: Stir in 1 tablespoon of orange zest if using, to add a fresh citrus flavor to the sauce.
- Cool the sauce: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the cranberry sauce cool to room temperature. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
Notes
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to one week.
- Adjust the amount of sugar according to your sweetness preference.
- Fresh or frozen cranberries can be used interchangeably.
- For a chunkier sauce, reduce cooking time slightly.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
