Cranberry Relish Recipe
Introduction
Cranberry relish is a fresh and tangy side that brightens up any holiday meal. Made with crisp apples, zesty orange, and sweetened cranberries, this no-cook recipe is quick to prepare and full of vibrant flavor.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 apple (cored and cut into quarters)
- 1/2 orange (seeds removed and end trimmed off)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- Fresh cranberries and orange zest for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the cranberries in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped. Transfer the cranberries to a bowl.
- Step 2: Add the apple to the food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Add the apple to the bowl with the cranberries.
- Step 3: Add the orange to the food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Add the orange to the bowl with the cranberries and apples.
- Step 4: Add the sugar to the bowl and stir to combine. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour or up to 3 days.
- Step 5: Serve, garnished with cranberries and orange zest if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For a smoother texture, pulse the fruit a few extra times but avoid turning it into a puree.
- Use a tart apple like Granny Smith for a nice balance against the sweetness.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor variation.
- If you don’t have a food processor, finely chop the ingredients by hand for a rustic relish.
Storage
Store the cranberry relish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors develop as it chills, making it even better the next day. Serve chilled or at room temperature. If needed, give it a good stir before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, frozen cranberries can be used but let them thaw and drain any excess liquid before processing to avoid a watery relish.
Is this relish cooked?
No, this cranberry relish is a fresh, no-cook recipe that relies on chopping and chilling to blend the flavors rather than cooking or boiling.
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Cranberry Relish Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: About 2 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This fresh and vibrant cranberry relish combines tart cranberries, sweet apples, and zesty orange for a refreshing condiment perfect for holiday meals or any occasion. The relish requires no cooking, making it quick to prepare and full of natural fruit flavors balanced with just the right amount of sugar.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 apple, cored and cut into quarters
- 1/2 orange, seeds removed and ends trimmed off
- 1 cup granulated sugar
For Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh cranberries
- Orange zest
Instructions
- Pulse Cranberries: Place the fresh cranberries in a food processor. Pulse them several times until they are coarsely chopped but not pureed. Transfer the chopped cranberries to a large mixing bowl.
- Add Apple: Place the cored and quartered apple in the food processor. Pulse until the apple is finely chopped. Add the chopped apple to the bowl with the cranberries.
- Pulse Orange: Add the half orange (seeds removed and trimmed) to the food processor. Pulse until finely chopped, then transfer the orange pieces to the mixing bowl with the other fruits.
- Mix with Sugar: Add 1 cup of granulated sugar to the bowl containing cranberries, apple, and orange. Stir all the ingredients together until well combined. Cover the bowl, then refrigerate the relish for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld, or up to 3 days for deeper flavor.
- Serve: When ready to serve, optionally garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprinkle of orange zest for added color and flavor. Enjoy as a bright and tangy side or condiment.
Notes
- This relish is best served chilled, so refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
- Use a food processor to achieve a nice coarse chop without turning the mixture into a puree.
- You can adjust the sugar level to taste, depending on your sweetness preference and the tartness of your fruit.
- For a twist, add a small pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warm spice notes.
- The relish will keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days; stir before serving if juices have settled.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cranberry relish, holiday side dish, no cook cranberry sauce, fresh cranberry condiment, fruit relish
