Cranberry Orange Relish: A Burst of Freshness for Your Holiday Table
If you’re looking to brighten up your holiday spread, this Cranberry Orange Relish is the perfect addition. Vibrant, zesty, and beautifully fresh, it pairs effortlessly with roast turkey, ham, or even as a topping for creamy brie. Best of all, it requires no cooking, making it a quick and easy recipe that delivers a punch of flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Relish
- Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of tart cranberries, sweet oranges, and warm spices creates a relish bursting with bright, bold flavors.
- No Cooking Required: A food processor does all the work, making this dish as simple as it is delicious.
- Perfect Make-Ahead: The flavors deepen beautifully after a day in the fridge, making it the ideal dish to prepare ahead of time.
- Versatile: Serve it with meats, spread it on sandwiches, or even use it as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal.
Ingredients
- 2 oranges ($1.54)
- 1 inch fresh ginger, peeled and grated ($0.40)
- 1 bag fresh cranberries (12 oz) ($1.78)
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar, packed ($0.06)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon ($0.08)
- ⅛ tsp salt ($0.01)
Kitchen Equipment
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Microplane or grater (for ginger)
- Food processor
- Airtight container (for storage)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Oranges
Start by zesting one orange and setting the zest aside for later. Next, use the suprême technique to cut the oranges:
- Slice off the ends of each orange so they sit flat on your cutting board.
- Carefully cut away the skin and white pith by following the natural curve of the fruit with your knife.
- Once peeled, slice along the membranes of each orange segment to release the juicy pulp. Don’t forget to squeeze the remaining membrane over a bowl to extract every last drop of juice.
2. Combine the Ingredients
In the food processor, add:
- Orange segments and juice
- Fresh cranberries
- Grated ginger
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Salt
3. Pulse to Perfection
Pulse the ingredients a few times until the mixture reaches a relish-like consistency. You want some texture, so be careful not to over-process.
4. Let the Flavors Marinate
Transfer the relish to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully and gives the relish its signature bright red hue.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Serve the relish chilled, and watch it disappear at your holiday table. It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, as a topping for sandwiches, or even spooned over creamy cheeses.
Tips and Variations
- Sweetness Adjustment: Prefer a sweeter relish? Add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar.
- Add a Crunch: Stir in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans before serving.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Storage
Store the relish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It also freezes beautifully for up to two months — just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Food Pairings
This relish pairs beautifully with:
- Roast turkey, chicken, or pork
- Brie or goat cheese on crackers
- Sandwiches, wraps, or even grilled cheese
- Oatmeal or yogurt for a sweet-tart twist
FAQ
Can I use frozen cranberries? Absolutely! Just thaw them before processing.
Can I make this without a food processor? Yes! Just chop everything finely with a sharp knife for a chunkier relish.
How far in advance can I make this? The relish actually improves with time, so making it 1-2 days in advance is ideal.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Orange Relish is the perfect way to brighten your holiday table with a fresh, zesty pop of flavor. It’s simple, beautiful, and absolutely delicious. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out! If you enjoyed this recipe, share it with your friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe for more fresh, seasonal recipes. Happy cooking!
