Are you ready to transform your ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences? This Cranberry Orange Ginger Relish is not just a condiment – it's a vibrant burst of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors that will make your taste buds dance with excitement! Imagine a relish so versatile and delicious that it can elevate everything from your holiday turkey to your morning toast, creating a gourmet moment in just 15 minutes of preparation.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 orange, zested and juiced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cold water. Remove any stems or damaged berries, discarding them as you go.
- Using a zester or a fine grater, zest the orange to collect the outer peel, being careful to avoid the bitter white pith underneath. Set the zest aside.
- Cut the orange in half and juice it, ensuring to remove any seeds. You should have about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of fresh orange juice.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the rinsed cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, grated fresh ginger, and sugar. Stir the mixture well to ensure the sugar is evenly distributed among the cranberries.
- If you are using walnuts, chop them into small pieces and add them to the mixture, stirring to combine.
- Let the relish sit for about 10 minutes at room temperature. This allows the sugar to dissolve and the flavors to meld together.
- Once the relish has rested, give it a final stir. Taste and adjust the sweetness or tartness if necessary by adding more sugar or a splash of orange juice.
- Transfer the cranberry orange ginger relish to a serving bowl or airtight container. It can be served immediately or refrigerated for up to a week to enhance the flavors.
- Serve the relish chilled or at room temperature as a delightful accompaniment to roasted meats, sandwiches, or as a topping for cream cheese on crackers.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select plump, firm cranberries and a ripe, fragrant orange for the most intense flavors.
- Zest Like a Pro: When zesting the orange, only remove the bright outer layer, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste your relish before serving. If it's too tart, add a bit more sugar; if too sweet, a splash of fresh orange juice can balance it out.
- Make Ahead: This relish actually improves with time. Prepare it a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it perfect for meal prep and impromptu entertaining.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra crunch, add the chopped walnuts just before serving to maintain their texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 80kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
