Quick and Easy Cranberry Relish Recipes for Everyone

When the holiday season rolls around, nothing says festive quite like the rich, tart flavor of cranberry relish. This versatile dish can be the star of your Thanksgiving dinner or a delightful addition to your Christmas spread. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just beginning to explore the culinary world, these recipes for Quick and Easy Cranberry Relish will ensure that you have a delicious treat ready in no time, offering a delightful contrast to your rich holiday meals. Let's delve into some of the simplest, yet most flavorful, cranberry relish recipes that everyone can enjoy.

Classic Cranberry Orange Relish

This recipe is the epitome of holiday flavors, balancing the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of orange:

• 12 oz fresh cranberries - Rinse and drain to remove any debris.
• 1 orange, zest and flesh - Preferably unwaxed or organic.
• ³⁄₄ to 1 cup sugar - Adjust according to your sweetness preference.
• Optional: pinch of salt, orange liqueur or juice.

Steps:

1. Grate the zest from the orange, ensuring to avoid the pith.
2. Peel the orange, remove seeds, and cut the flesh into chunks.
3. Combine cranberries, orange zest, orange flesh, and sugar in a food processor or blender.
4. Pulse until finely chopped but not pureed, aiming for a chunky texture.
5. Taste and adjust sweetness or add a pinch of salt if desired.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour, or up to several days, to allow the flavors to meld.

Cranberry Pineapple Relish

For those looking for a tropical twist on the traditional cranberry relish, this recipe offers a refreshing change:

• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• 1 cup pineapple - Fresh or canned; juice drained if canned.
• ¹⁄₂ to ³⁄₄ cup sugar
• Optional: lime zest

Steps:

1. If using fresh pineapple, peel, core, and chop into small pieces.
2. Combine cranberries, pineapple, and sugar in a food processor.
3. Pulse until you get a chunky consistency.
4. Add lime zest for an extra zing if desired.
5. Refrigerate for at least an hour to meld flavors.

Spicy Apple Cranberry Relish

If you appreciate a bit of heat with your holiday meal, this version combines apples with a hint of spice:

• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• 2 apples, cored and diced - Green or red, peeled or unpeeled.
• ¹⁄₂ to ³⁄₄ cup sugar
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• Optional: ginger

Steps:

1. Toss diced apples with sugar to prevent browning.
2. Combine cranberries, apple mixture, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and ginger in a food processor.
3. Pulse until coarsely chopped.
4. Adjust spice or sugar to taste.
5. Refrigerate to let the flavors develop.

The beauty of these cranberry relish recipes lies in their simplicity and versatility. Each one brings a unique flavor profile to your holiday table:

✨ Note: These relishes are not only perfect for holiday meals but can also be used as a topping for salads, a side for meats, or spread on sandwiches, offering a burst of flavor and color.

By trying out these cranberry relish recipes, you're adding an element of tradition, creativity, and ease to your holiday preparations. Whether it's the classic cranberry orange, the tropical pineapple twist, or the spicy apple variation, there's something to please every palate. Each version brings its own delightful notes of flavor, from the zest of citrus to the warmth of spices, making cranberry relish a flexible and much-loved holiday staple.

Can I make cranberry relish ahead of time?

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Yes, you can prepare cranberry relish up to several days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld. However, for the best texture, consume within 3-5 days.

What can I substitute for fresh cranberries in these recipes?

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If fresh cranberries are out of season, you can use frozen cranberries or even dried cranberries rehydrated in hot water. Keep in mind that dried cranberries will change the texture and sweetness of the relish.

How long can I store homemade cranberry relish?

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Homemade cranberry relish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, consider freezing the relish, where it can last for several months.

Is there a way to make these recipes less sweet?

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You can reduce the amount of sugar used in the recipe or substitute it with a sugar alternative like honey or maple syrup. You can also add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice to balance the sweetness with acidity.