This fun spiced cranberry sauce with orange and ginger is a burst of flavor! The sweet and tangy cranberries pair perfectly with the refreshing orange and spicy ginger.
Making this sauce is a breeze! I love the bright color it adds to my table. Plus, it’s a great way to impress guests—just don’t tell them how simple it was to whip up! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries provide the best flavor and texture. If fresh ones are hard to find, you can use frozen cranberries. Just thaw them first and don’t worry about rinsing them—just add them directly to the pan!
Orange: The orange zest and juice add bright flavors. If you don’t have fresh oranges, you can use bottled orange juice but the zest will be missing. A Meyer lemon could also work for a different citrus twist!
Ginger: Fresh ginger is essential for that spicy warmth. If you prefer a milder taste, you can use ground ginger—about 1/2 teaspoon should do. Remember that ground ginger is more concentrated, so adjust to taste.
Spices: While star anise and cinnamon stick are traditional, you can skip them or replace star anise with a little nutmeg. If you like it spicier, adding a pinch of allspice can enhance the flavor.
How Do I Achieve the Right Consistency for My Sauce?
The focus on this recipe is the texture of the cranberry sauce. You want it to be thick but still a bit chunky. Here are some tips to get it just right:
- Start by cooking the cranberries until they burst, which releases their natural pectin—a natural thickening agent.
- Keep stirring occasionally, which helps break down some berries while maintaining a few whole ones for texture.
- For a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer. Just remember not to leave it unattended since it can stick to the bottom.
- If you prefer it smoother, you can give it a quick mash with a fork or potato masher—but be careful not to turn it into a puree!
Spiced Cranberry Sauce With Orange And Ginger
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (about 340g) fresh cranberries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large orange (zested and juiced)
- 1 inch fresh ginger root, peeled and finely grated
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 whole star anise pods
- 1/2 cup water
- Optional: pinch of ground cloves or a few whole cloves for extra warmth
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful spiced cranberry sauce takes about 20 minutes to make. You’ll spend about 5 minutes prepping the ingredients, and then just 10-15 minutes cooking it on the stove. After that, simply let it cool to thicken, and you’re done! Perfect for adding a festive touch to your meals!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cool water. While rinsing, check for any soft or shriveled berries and remove them. This ensures only the freshest berries go into your sauce!
2. Combine Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, mix the rinsed cranberries, sugar, the juice and zest of the orange, grated ginger, the cinnamon stick, star anise pods, and water. Stir everything together until the sugar starts to dissolve.
3. Cook the Sauce:
Turn the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently. You’ll want to stir it occasionally, so nothing sticks to the bottom, and it cooks evenly.
4. Observe the Texture:
Keep an eye on the sauce as it thickens. After about 10-15 minutes, you’ll notice that many cranberries have burst open and the sauce has thickened significantly. If you prefer a chunkier texture, feel free to leave some whole cranberries intact.
5. Final Touches:
Once the sauce has thickened, remove the cinnamon stick and star anise pods. Give it a taste, and if you want it sweeter, add a little more sugar or a splash more orange juice to suit your taste.
6. Cool and Serve:
Let the cranberry sauce cool to room temperature. As it cools, it will thicken even more. Once cooled, you can store it in the fridge if you’re not serving it immediately. It can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it a perfect companion to your holiday roast or festive meals.
Enjoy your vibrant and fragrant spiced cranberry sauce with its bright orange and warming ginger notes!
Can I Use Different Sweeteners for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you want a healthier option, you can substitute granulated sugar with honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar. Just keep in mind that liquid sweeteners may change the consistency slightly, so you may want to reduce the water a bit.
How Should I Store Leftover Sauce?
Store any leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld! You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just thaw in the fridge before serving.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare this spiced cranberry sauce up to a week in advance. Just make sure to store it in the fridge in an airtight container. It’s a great time-saver for holiday meals!
What Can I Substitute for Star Anise?
If you don’t have star anise, you can leave it out entirely or use a pinch of ground nutmeg or allspice to give a warm, spicy flavor. It will alter the flavor slightly, but it will still be delicious!