Tired of the same old bland cranberry sauce that nobody gets excited about? Get ready to transform your holiday spread with a mind-blowing Fiesta Style Cranberry Sauce that will have your guests begging for the recipe! This isn't your grandmother's traditional cranberry condiment – it's a zesty, flavor-packed Mexican-inspired twist that brings heat, sweetness, and a burst of excitement to your plate. Imagine the classic cranberry sauce getting a spicy makeover that will make your taste buds dance with joy!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 bag (12 oz) fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- 1 jalapeño, minced
Instructions
- Rinse the fresh cranberries thoroughly under cold water, removing any stems or damaged berries.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, and orange juice. Stir to ensure the sugar begins to coat the cranberries.
- Carefully mince the jalapeño, removing seeds for less heat if desired. Add the minced jalapeño to the saucepan.
- Sprinkle the cumin and chili powder over the cranberry mixture, stirring to distribute the spices evenly.
- Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking, stirring frequently, as the cranberries begin to burst and the sauce thickens.
- Cook for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce reaches a jam-like consistency and most cranberries have broken down.
- Remove from heat and let the sauce cool for 10 minutes, during which it will continue to thicken.
- Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl and allow to cool completely to room temperature before serving.
- For best flavor, refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow the spices to meld together.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Cranberries: Always opt for fresh, plump cranberries for the best texture and flavor. Avoid berries that look soft or shriveled.
- Seed Control: Want to manage the heat? Remove the jalapeño seeds for a milder sauce, or keep them in for an extra spicy kick.
- Consistency is Key: Keep stirring frequently to prevent burning and achieve that perfect jam-like thickness. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Make Ahead Magic: This sauce tastes even better when made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify in the refrigerator.
- Serving Suggestion: Let the sauce cool to room temperature before serving to maximize the flavor profile of the spices.
- Storage Tip: The sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it perfect for holiday meal prep.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 90kcal
Carbohydrates: 23g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
