Nothing elevates a meal quite like a homemade cranberry relish with walnuts. This dish, with its vibrant color and tangy-sweet flavor, is a perfect accompaniment for holiday feasts or to brighten up a regular dinner. Here are five simple steps to whip up this delicious, healthy side dish that combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the earthy crunch of walnuts.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before embarking on your cranberry relish journey, gather the following ingredients:
- 12 ounces of fresh cranberries (or frozen, if fresh aren’t available)
- 1 cup of granulated sugar or alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup
- 1 medium-sized orange, washed, with peel for zest
- ½ cup of walnuts, coarsely chopped
- Optional: a dash of ground cinnamon, a pinch of salt, or a splash of orange liqueur for extra zing
Step 2: Prepare the Cranberries
The heart of this relish is, of course, the cranberries. Here’s how to get them ready:
- If using fresh cranberries, rinse them under cold water and pick out any spoiled berries.
- Frozen cranberries can be used directly from the freezer, but give them a quick rinse if you can.
Step 3: Zest and Squeeze the Orange
The orange will add a delightful citrus note to the relish:
- Grate the zest of the orange, being careful to avoid the white pith.
- Cut the orange in half and juice it, removing any seeds.
Step 4: Blend Your Ingredients
Now, let’s bring everything together:
- Using a food processor or blender, combine cranberries, sugar, orange zest, and orange juice. Pulse until you achieve your desired consistency; some like it chunky, others prefer it smooth.
- Stir in the chopped walnuts after blending to retain their texture.
Step 5: Infuse and Chill
Your cranberry relish is almost ready:
- Add optional flavor enhancers like cinnamon or orange liqueur.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This step not only infuses the flavors but also helps the relish to firm up slightly.
🍒 Note: For a deeper flavor profile, you could let the relish sit overnight in the refrigerator.
As we wrap up this culinary adventure, let's remember the simplicity and joy of creating something as delightful as a homemade cranberry relish with walnuts. This dish brings a fresh burst of flavor to your meals, combining the sharpness of cranberries with the subtle, earthy sweetness of walnuts. It's a testament to how even the most straightforward ingredients, when prepared with care, can elevate our dining experience.
Whether you're serving it at a festive dinner, using it as a sandwich spread, or pairing it with roast turkey or chicken, this cranberry relish is not only delicious but also full of antioxidants, making it a healthy choice. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and the communal joy of sharing a dish that's both easy to prepare and delightful to eat.
Can I use dried cranberries for cranberry relish?
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Dried cranberries can be used, but the result will be different in texture and sweetness. Soaking them in hot water for about 20 minutes can help rehydrate them slightly before blending.
How long will cranberry relish with walnuts last in the fridge?
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Properly stored in an airtight container, it can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
Is cranberry relish with walnuts good for health?
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Yes, it is! Cranberries are rich in antioxidants, and walnuts provide heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, making this relish a nutritious choice.
