Cranberry Jalapeño Relish: A Sweet, Spicy, and Festive Delight

Cranberry sauce is a Thanksgiving staple, but let’s face it, sometimes it can be a bit…boring. Enter: Cranberry Jalapeño Relish! This vibrant condiment kicks up the classic cranberry flavor with a fiery twist of jalapeño, creating a sweet, spicy, and utterly addictive side dish that will have your guests begging for the recipe. It’s the perfect counterpoint to rich, savory dishes, adding a pop of color and a burst of flavor to your holiday table. But don’t limit it to Thanksgiving! This relish is fantastic with roasted chicken, grilled pork, brie cheese, or even as a topping for tacos.

This recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and simple ingredients. It’s also naturally gluten-free and vegan-friendly, making it a great option for accommodating various dietary needs. You can adjust the heat level to your liking by controlling the amount of jalapeño and removing the seeds for a milder flavor.

Let’s dive into how to make this delicious Cranberry Jalapeño Relish!

## Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Jalapeño Relish

* **Sweet and Spicy:** The perfect balance of tart cranberries and spicy jalapeños creates an irresistible flavor combination.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal cooking and only a few simple steps.
* **Versatile:** It’s delicious with a variety of dishes, from holiday meals to everyday meals.
* **Festive and Colorful:** Adds a vibrant touch to your table.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Can be made a few days in advance, saving you time on Thanksgiving Day.
* **Adaptable:** Easily customize the heat level to your preference.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we get started, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

* **Fresh Cranberries:** 12 ounces (about 3 cups), rinsed and picked over.
* **Jalapeños:** 1-3, depending on desired spice level, seeded and minced.
* **Orange:** 1 large, zest and juice.
* **Granulated Sugar:** ¾ cup (adjust to taste).
* **Water:** ¼ cup.
* **Optional additions**: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts, ¼ cup chopped cilantro, a pinch of ground cinnamon or cloves.

### Ingredient Notes:

* **Cranberries:** Fresh cranberries are best for this recipe. Frozen cranberries can be used, but they may release more liquid during cooking, so you might need to cook the relish for a few minutes longer to thicken it. Rinse and sort through them, removing any stems or soft cranberries.
* **Jalapeños:** The number of jalapeños you use will depend on your spice preference. Start with one jalapeño and taste the relish as it cooks, adding more if desired. Remember to remove the seeds and membranes for a milder flavor. Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling jalapeños, and avoid touching your eyes.
* **Orange:** Use a fresh orange for the best flavor. The zest adds a bright, citrusy aroma, and the juice helps to balance the sweetness and spice. If you don’t have an orange, you can substitute it with lemon zest and juice, but the flavor will be slightly different.
* **Sugar:** Granulated sugar is used in this recipe, but you can also use other sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar. Adjust the amount of sweetener to your liking, depending on the tartness of the cranberries and your personal preference.
* **Nuts (Optional):** Pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch and nutty flavor to the relish. Toast them lightly before adding them for a more intense flavor.
* **Cilantro (Optional):** Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous note to the relish. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can omit it or substitute it with other herbs like parsley or mint.
* **Spices (Optional):** A pinch of ground cinnamon or cloves adds warmth and depth of flavor to the relish. Use them sparingly, as they can easily overpower the other flavors.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Medium saucepan
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Zester
* Knife and cutting board
* Wooden spoon or spatula
* Jars or containers for storing

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get cooking!

**Step 1: Prepare the Cranberries and Jalapeños**

Rinse the cranberries thoroughly under cold water and pick out any stems or mushy berries. Finely mince the jalapeño(s). Remember to remove the seeds and membranes for a milder flavor. If you want a spicier relish, leave some of the seeds in. Be careful when handling jalapeños, and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.

**Step 2: Zest and Juice the Orange**

Using a zester, remove the zest from the orange. Be careful not to zest too deep, as the white pith underneath the zest can be bitter. Then, juice the orange and set the zest and juice aside.

**Step 3: Combine Ingredients in a Saucepan**

In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, minced jalapeño(s), orange zest, orange juice, sugar, and water. Stir well to combine.

**Step 4: Cook the Relish**

Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the relish has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

**Step 5: Add Optional Ingredients (If Using)**

If you’re using nuts, cilantro, or spices, add them to the saucepan during the last few minutes of cooking. Stir well to incorporate.

**Step 6: Cool and Store**

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the relish cool completely. As it cools, it will thicken further. Once cooled, transfer the relish to jars or containers and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to a week.

## Tips for Success

* **Adjust the Spice Level:** Start with one jalapeño and taste the relish as it cooks, adding more if desired. Remember that you can always add more spice, but you can’t take it away.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooking the relish can make it too thick and sticky. Cook it just until the cranberries have burst and the mixture has thickened slightly.
* **Let it Cool Completely:** The relish will thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit thin when it’s hot.
* **Make it Ahead:** This relish can be made a few days in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together. It’s a great time-saver for holiday meals.
* **Use a Food Processor (Optional):** For a smoother relish, pulse the cooked mixture in a food processor for a few seconds. Be careful not to over-process it, as you don’t want to turn it into a puree.

## Variations

* **Add Other Fruits:** Experiment with adding other fruits like apples, pears, or pomegranate seeds.
* **Use Different Peppers:** Try using other types of peppers like serranos or habaneros for a different level of heat.
* **Add Vinegar:** A splash of apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar can add a tangy flavor.
* **Make it with Maple Syrup:** Replace the granulated sugar with maple syrup for a more natural sweetener.
* **Bourbon Cranberry Jalapeno Relish:** Stir in a tablespoon or two of bourbon after cooking, for an extra layer of warmth and flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

This Cranberry Jalapeño Relish is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas:

* **Thanksgiving Dinner:** Serve it as a side dish alongside turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy.
* **Roasted Meats:** It’s delicious with roasted chicken, pork, or ham.
* **Grilled Meats:** Serve it as a topping for grilled steak, chicken, or fish.
* **Cheese Board:** Add it to a cheese board with brie, goat cheese, or cheddar cheese.
* **Sandwiches and Wraps:** Use it as a spread for sandwiches and wraps.
* **Tacos and Burritos:** Top your tacos and burritos with a spoonful of this relish for a sweet and spicy kick.
* **Appetizers:** Serve it with crackers or crostini as an appetizer.

## Storage Instructions

Store the Cranberry Jalapeño Relish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It can also be frozen for up to two months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

## Cranberry Jalapeno Relish Recipe

**Yields:** About 3 cups
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 15 minutes

### Ingredients

* 12 ounces fresh cranberries, rinsed and picked over
* 1-3 jalapeños, seeded and minced (depending on desired spice level)
* 1 large orange, zest and juice
* ¾ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
* ¼ cup water
* Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts, ¼ cup chopped cilantro, a pinch of ground cinnamon or cloves

### Equipment

* Medium saucepan
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Zester
* Knife and cutting board
* Wooden spoon or spatula
* Jars or containers for storing

### Instructions

1. **Prepare the Cranberries and Jalapeños:** Rinse the cranberries thoroughly and pick out any stems or mushy berries. Finely mince the jalapeño(s), removing the seeds and membranes for a milder flavor.
2. **Zest and Juice the Orange:** Using a zester, remove the zest from the orange. Juice the orange and set aside.
3. **Combine Ingredients in a Saucepan:** In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, minced jalapeño(s), orange zest, orange juice, sugar, and water. Stir well.
4. **Cook the Relish:** Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the relish has thickened. Stir occasionally.
5. **Add Optional Ingredients (If Using):** If using nuts, cilantro, or spices, add them during the last few minutes of cooking. Stir well.
6. **Cool and Store:** Remove from heat and let the relish cool completely. Transfer to jars or containers and store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

## Nutrition Information (Approximate)

*per serving (about ¼ cup)*

* Calories: Approximately 80-100
* Fat: Varies depending on optional ingredients like nuts.
* Carbohydrates: 20-25g
* Protein: Less than 1g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Conclusion

This Cranberry Jalapeño Relish is a delightful addition to any meal. Its sweet and spicy flavor combination, ease of preparation, and versatility make it a winner in our book. Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving, using it as a topping for grilled meats, or adding it to a cheese board, this relish is sure to impress your guests. So, give this recipe a try and elevate your culinary creations with a burst of flavor!