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Thanksgiving Cranberry Relish pinterest

Thanksgiving Cranberry Relish

This vibrant cranberry relish brings bright flavors and textural complexity that perfectly balances the richness of your holiday meal. With its perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, this homemade cranberry relish has become an essential part of family celebrations for generations.
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Course: Condiment, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Keyword: Cranberry Relish, Thanksgiving, Holiday Recipe, Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 98kcal

Equipment

  • Food Processor
  • Large bowl
  • Microplane or Fine Grater

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 12 ounces fresh cranberries rinsed and sorted
  • 1 large orange preferably organic, washed thoroughly
  • 1 medium apple Honeycrisp or Granny Smith, cored
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar can substitute with 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Optional Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons orange liqueur like Grand Marnier, or substitute with orange juice
  • 1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional

Instructions

  • Wash the cranberries thoroughly and discard any soft or damaged berries. Using a microplane or fine grater, zest the entire orange into a large bowl. Cut away the remaining white pith from the orange and roughly chop the flesh. Core the apple and cut into quarters (no need to peel if using organic).
  • Working in batches if necessary, pulse the cranberries, orange segments, and apple pieces in a food processor until finely chopped but not pureed. You want a consistent texture with small, identifiable bits of fruit – about 8-10 pulses should do it.
  • Transfer the chopped fruit mixture to a large bowl. Add both sugars, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gently fold everything together until well combined. The sugar will begin to draw out the juices from the fruit.
  • Stir in the orange liqueur (if using) and optional nuts. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the sugar to fully dissolve.
  • Taste the relish before serving and adjust sweetness if needed. Serve chilled as a side to your holiday meal.

Notes

Pro Tips:
  • Freezing the cranberries for 10 minutes before processing will help maintain their texture and prevent mushiness.
  • For deeper flavor development, toast your spices in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding them to the mixture.
  • This relish can be stored in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • For a less sweet version, reduce sugar to 1/2 cup total. Maple syrup can also replace brown sugar for a more complex flavor profile.

Nutrition

Calories: 98kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 0.3g | Sodium: 1mg | Fiber: 2.5g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 15mg
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