Imagine a cranberry sauce so vibrant, so perfectly balanced, that it transforms your holiday table from ordinary to extraordinary! This gluten-free cranberry sauce isn't just a side dish - it's a culinary masterpiece that will have your guests begging for the recipe. With just four simple ingredients and 25 minutes of your time, you'll create a luscious, ruby-red sauce that's bursting with tangy-sweet flavor and homemade charm.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Rinse the fresh cranberries thoroughly under cold water, removing any stems or damaged berries.
- In a medium saucepan, combine water and sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely over medium-high heat.
- Add the cleaned cranberries to the sugar syrup and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and allow the cranberries to simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Watch as the cranberries begin to burst and release their natural pectin, which will help thicken the sauce.
- Continue cooking for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until most cranberries have burst and the sauce reaches a thick, jam-like consistency.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, which will add depth and warmth to the sauce's flavor.
- Let the cranberry sauce cool at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, during which it will continue to thicken.
- Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl or storage container and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- The cranberry sauce can be served chilled or at room temperature and will keep in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Tips
- Use fresh cranberries for the brightest flavor and best texture - frozen can work in a pinch, but fresh is always best.
- Don't walk away while cooking! Cranberry sauce can quickly go from perfect to burned.
- For a more complex flavor, consider adding a splash of orange zest or a cinnamon stick during cooking.
- Allow the sauce to cool completely before refrigerating to help it set properly.
- Make this sauce up to a week in advance to save time during holiday meal preparation.
- For a less sweet version, reduce sugar to 3/4 cup and add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 190kcal
Carbohydrates: 49g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
