The holidays are upon us, and you know what that means—plates piled high with festive food and the inevitable, delightful chaos of family gatherings. Picture this: a vibrant bowl of Zesty Citrus and Cranberry Relish, gleaming like a holiday ornament, waiting to steal the show at your next celebration. Festive Cranberry Orange Muffins Cranberry Rosemary Relish Its bright flavors dance on your tongue, a perfect companion to your turkey or ham, and the refreshing zing will have your taste buds singing carols in no time.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I make this relish ahead of time?
- What dishes pair well with this relish?
- Can I freeze leftover relish?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Now, let’s be honest. While everyone else is busy arguing over who makes the best mashed potatoes (spoiler alert: it’s always Grandma), you’ll be basking in glory as guests pour over for seconds of your zesty creation. Honey Lime Vinaigrette for Salads Trust me; this relish is not just a sidekick but a culinary hero ready to elevate your holiday feast with flavors that will have everyone asking for the recipe—just don’t tell them how easy it is to make!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This zesty citrus and cranberry relish recipe is incredibly easy to prepare with minimal fuss
- Bursting with vibrant flavors, it adds a beautiful pop of color to any holiday table
- The versatility allows it to pair perfectly with various dishes, from meats to cheeses
- Fresh and tangy, it’s a must-have condiment for every festive occasion!
I once served this relish at a Thanksgiving dinner where my uncle claimed he had “never been fond of cranberries.” By the end of the night, he was practically licking the bowl clean—talk about a transformation! For more inspiration, check out this easy baked cranberry turkey sliders recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Cranberries: Look for plump berries that are firm to the touch; avoid those that are wrinkled or mushy.
- Oranges: Use juicy oranges for zest and juice; they should feel heavy for their size.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh-squeezed lemon juice brightens up the flavor profile beautifully.
- Sugar: Regular granulated sugar works best; adjust according to taste if you prefer less sweetness. Cranberry Apple Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes.
- Cinnamon Stick: A single stick infuses warmth into the relish without overpowering other flavors.
- Walnuts (Optional): Toasted walnuts add crunch and depth; chop them finely before adding.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Getting started on our zesty adventure is easier than finding an excuse to avoid cleaning up after dinner!
Prep Your Ingredients: Rinse fresh cranberries under cold water while removing any stems or blemished berries. Zest and juice your oranges using a fine grater for zest and a juicer for juice.
Cook the Cranberries: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, lemon juice, sugar, and cinnamon stick. Stir gently until sugar dissolves completely.
Simmer Away!: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring occasionally. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until cranberries burst and soften.
Add Nuts (If Using): If you’re feeling adventurous (or nutty!), fold in chopped toasted walnuts once you’ve removed from heat. They add texture and nuttiness that complements the relish beautifully.
Cool and Serve!: Allow your relish to cool completely at room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve; this lets those flavors mingle beautifully!
With these simple steps done right, you’ll create something so good that even food critics would take notice (or at least nod appreciatively). Enjoy every bite alongside your favorite holiday dishes!
You Must Know
- This zesty citrus and cranberry relish adds a burst of flavor to any holiday feast
- It’s not just a side dish; it’s a festive celebration on your plate
- The combination of bright citrus and tart cranberries creates a refreshing contrast to hearty dishes
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling the cranberries until they pop, then mix in sugar and zest for vibrant flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap oranges for lemons or add a splash of whiskey for an adult twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. No reheating needed!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the best flavor balance, taste as you go and adjust sweetness or acidity
- Fresh herbs like mint can elevate this relish even further, adding an unexpected freshness
- Always use fresh cranberries for the best texture and taste!
Sharing this recipe brings back memories of my aunt’s notorious holiday gatherings where everyone fought over the last spoonful!
FAQ
Can I make this relish ahead of time?
Yes, making it one day prior enhances its flavors beautifully.
What dishes pair well with this relish?
It complements turkey, ham, and even cream cheese on crackers perfectly.
Can I freeze leftover relish?
Absolutely! Just store it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Zesty Citrus and Cranberry Relish
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: About 8 servings 1x
Description
Elevate your holiday gatherings with this vibrant Zesty Citrus and Cranberry Relish. Bursting with fresh flavors, this relish combines tart cranberries with zesty oranges and a hint of cinnamon, making it the perfect accompaniment to turkey, ham, or even cheese platters. Its stunning color and invigorating taste will have everyone asking for the recipe!
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup orange juice (from about 2 juicy oranges)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/2 cup walnuts (optional, toasted and chopped)
Instructions
- Rinse cranberries under cold water and remove any stems or blemished berries.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, lemon juice, sugar, and the cinnamon stick. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Bring to a gentle boil while stirring occasionally. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until cranberries burst.
- If using, fold in chopped toasted walnuts after removing from heat for added texture.
- Allow the relish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Chill in the refrigerator until serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup (60g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
