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Fresh Make-Ahead Cranberry Orange Relish: 5-Ingredient Holiday Side

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A simple, vibrant, and tart-sweet cranberry relish made with fresh oranges and vanilla. This make-ahead side dish is perfect for holidays or weeknight dinners, requiring only five ingredients and minimal prep time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz fresh cranberries
  • 2 large oranges (for zest, juice, and segmented fruit)
  • 1 cup granulated white sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Wash oranges thoroughly. Zest one orange using a microplane, avoiding the bitter white pith. Juice both oranges to yield about ½ cup of fresh juice. Segment the oranges, removing membranes, and chop the flesh into small bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
  2. Rinse cranberries in a colander under cold water, removing any shriveled berries or stems. Drain well.
  3. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and water. Place over medium heat and stir constantly until sugar is dissolved (about 5 minutes).
  4. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Cook for 2-3 minutes until cranberries pop and skins burst, then the mixture thickens slightly.
  5. Remove from heat. Stir in orange zest and vanilla extract. Do not boil after adding vanilla to preserve flavor.
  6. Let the mixture cool in the pan for about 10 minutes until cool to the touch.
  7. Gently fold in the chopped orange segments to preserve their texture.
  8. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

This relish tastes better after chilling overnight as the flavors meld. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Do not freeze, as the orange segments will become mushy upon thawing. If the relish is too thick after chilling, add a splash of cold water or orange juice. If too thin, simmer longer next time. Ensure sugar is fully dissolved before boiling to prevent crystallization.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry relish, orange relish, holiday side dish, make-ahead recipe, Thanksgiving side, gluten-free, dairy-free, easy holiday recipes

Find it online: https://tinastirs.com/fresh-make-ahead-cranberry-orange-relish-5-ingredient-holiday-side/