This spiced cranberry sauce is a fun mix of tart cranberries, zesty orange, and a hint of ginger. It’s perfect for adding color and flavor to your holiday table!
I love how it brightens up every bite of turkey. Plus, making this sauce is a piece of cake—just simmer everything together and watch the magic happen!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are best for this recipe, providing that tangy flavor. If you can’t find fresh ones, frozen cranberries can be a good alternative. Just thaw them before cooking.
Sugar: Granulated sugar works great here, but you can swap it for brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Honey or maple syrup are other options, but remember they may change the sauce’s texture slightly.
Orange Juice and Zest: Fresh orange juice gives the sauce a vibrant taste. If you’re pressed for time, bottled juice is fine, but fresh is always preferred. You can substitute it with lemon juice for a different twist.
Ginger: Fresh ginger adds warmth. Ground ginger can work in a pinch, though you’ll want to use less—about a teaspoon should do. I love the zing of fresh, though!
Cinnamon and Star Anise: These spices create a lovely aroma. If you’re out of star anise, you can skip it, or add nutmeg for a different spice note.
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture for My Sauce?
Getting the right texture is all about simmering the cranberries long enough to burst and thicken the sauce. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with medium-high heat to bring your mixture to a boil quickly.
- Once you add the cranberries, lower the heat to medium-low. This gentle simmer helps them burst without burning.
- Stir occasionally and watch for when the cranberries burst. This should take about 10-15 minutes. The mixture will thicken as it simmers.
- If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer. If it’s too thick, a splash of water or orange juice can loosen it up.
Let your sauce cool off the heat; it will thicken more as it cools. This way, you’ll achieve that perfect, glossy texture!
Spiced Cranberry Sauce With Orange And Ginger
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh cranberries
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) fresh orange juice (about 1-2 oranges)
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, finely grated
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise pods
- Optional: pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious spiced cranberry sauce can be prepared in about 15 minutes. After cooking, you’ll want to let it cool, which takes about 30 minutes. Overall, you’ll need about 45 minutes from start to finish to ensure your sauce is ready to complement your holiday meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cold water. As you rinse them, take a moment to pick out any stems or bruised berries, so your sauce turns out perfect!
2. Combine Ingredients in a Saucepan:
In a medium saucepan, mix together the water, granulated sugar, orange zest, fresh orange juice, grated ginger, cinnamon sticks, and star anise pods. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Keep stirring until the sugar completely dissolves—this part is super important!
3. Cook the Cranberries:
Once the mixture is boiling, add the rinsed cranberries into the saucepan. Now, lower the heat to medium-low and let them simmer gently. Stir them occasionally, and in about 10-15 minutes, you’ll see those cranberries bursting and the sauce thickening.
4. Final Touches:
When the sauce reaches a slightly chunky and glossy texture, it’s time to take it off the heat. Carefully remove and discard the cinnamon sticks and star anise pods. Give your sauce a taste! If you want it sweeter, feel free to add a bit more sugar or a pinch of salt to enhance those flavors.
5. Cool and Serve:
Let your sauce cool down to room temperature. As it cools, it will continue to thicken, which is just what you want! Once cooled, you can serve your vibrant spiced cranberry sauce either chilled or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, especially turkey!
Enjoy this delightful dish with a burst of flavors from orange and ginger, perfect for your holiday feast!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries! Just make sure to thaw them before cooking. Pour them into a colander and run them under cold water or leave them in the fridge overnight to thaw for best results.
What If I Don’t Have Star Anise?
No problem! If you don’t have star anise, you can skip it or substitute it with a hint of nutmeg or allspice for a different yet lovely flavor. Just adjust to your taste!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Cranberry Sauce?
This spiced cranberry sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. To refresh it, just give it a good stir before serving again.
Can I Make This Sauce in Advance?
Absolutely! Making it a day or two ahead of time is actually a great idea as the flavors deepen as it sits. Just store it in the refrigerator, and when you’re ready to serve, let it warm to room temperature or lightly reheat it.
