Cranberry Orange Relish: A Burst of Fresh Flavor

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Tangy, sweet, and incredibly vibrant, Cranberry Orange Relish is a refreshing twist on a classic holiday staple. Unlike the usual cooked cranberry sauce, this relish is raw, preserving the brightness of fresh cranberries and the zesty punch of oranges. It’s delightfully tart with just the right balance of sweetness and a texture that bursts with every spoonful. Whether you serve it with turkey, ham, or spoon it over yogurt or toast, this dish adds a dazzling pop of flavor and color to any meal.

The beauty of this relish is in its simplicity—only a few ingredients, no stove required, and just a few pulses in a food processor. It’s one of those recipes that surprises everyone at the table with how fresh and lively it tastes. Perfect for the holidays, and honestly, good enough to make all year round.

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Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Relish

• 1 (12 oz) bag fresh cranberries, rinsed and drained
• 1 large orange (with peel), quartered and seeds removed
• ¾ to 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• Optional: ½ tsp ground cinnamon or ¼ tsp ground cloves for added spice

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Step 1: Prepare the Orange

Wash the orange thoroughly since you’ll be using the peel. Cut it into quarters and remove any seeds. Keeping the peel adds extra citrusy zing and depth to the relish.

Step 2: Add to Food Processor

Place the orange quarters into the food processor. Add the fresh cranberries on top. If your food processor is small, you can do this in two batches.

Step 3: Pulse Until Finely Chopped

Pulse the mixture several times until the cranberries and orange are finely chopped. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides to ensure even chopping. Be careful not to over-process—you want a relish, not a purée.

Step 4: Sweeten to Taste

Transfer the chopped mixture to a bowl. Stir in the sugar, starting with ¾ cup. Taste and add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter relish. If you like a bit of spice, add a dash of cinnamon or cloves here as well.

Step 5: Chill and Let Flavors Meld

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. This gives the flavors time to mingle and deepen. The relish becomes more vibrant and flavorful the longer it rests.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve cold or at room temperature. This relish pairs beautifully with roasted meats, sandwiches, and even breakfast dishes like oatmeal or pancakes.

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Storage Instructions

Cranberry Orange Relish stores incredibly well, making it perfect for prepping ahead of time. Once prepared, transfer the relish to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 10 days in the fridge. In fact, the flavor often improves after a day or two.

For longer storage, this relish can also be frozen. Place it in a freezer-safe container, leaving a bit of space at the top. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving—just give it a stir to freshen it up.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per 1/4 cup serving — based on a recipe using ¾ cup sugar)

• Calories: 80
• Total Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Sugar: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 0g
• Vitamin C: Approx. 15% DV

Note: Nutritional values can vary depending on the sweetness of your orange and the exact sugar amount used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this relish without sugar?

Yes! You can substitute sugar with a natural sweetener like honey, maple syrup, or even a sugar alternative like stevia. Just adjust the amount to taste.

2. Is it okay to use frozen cranberries?

Absolutely. Just thaw them first and drain any excess water to avoid a watery relish.

3. What type of orange is best for this recipe?

A large navel orange works great due to its sweet, juicy flesh and thin skin. You can also try blood orange for a deeper color and richer flavor.

4. Can I use a blender instead of a food processor?

A blender can work in a pinch, but be careful not to over-process. Pulse in short bursts, and stir between rounds to keep the texture chunky.

5. How long before serving should I make it?

For the best flavor, make it at least a day ahead. This allows the flavors to develop and mellow.

6. What dishes pair well with Cranberry Orange Relish?

It’s traditionally served with turkey or ham, but it also pairs wonderfully with roast chicken, pork loin, or as a topping for toast, brie, or Greek yogurt.

7. Can I add nuts or other fruits?

Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch, and chopped apples or pineapple can give it extra sweetness and variety.

8. Why does it taste bitter?

The bitterness usually comes from the orange peel. If you’re sensitive to it, try using only half the peel or remove it altogether and use just the zest and flesh.

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