Cranberry Jalapeño Relish: Sweet, Spicy, and Festive!

Cranberry jalapeño relish is a vibrant and flavorful condiment that’s perfect for the holidays or any time you want to add a little sweet and spicy kick to your meal. This relish balances the tartness of cranberries with the heat of jalapeños and the sweetness of sugar (or honey), creating a complex and utterly addictive flavor profile. It’s incredibly versatile, pairing well with roasted meats (turkey, chicken, pork), cheeses, crackers, sandwiches, and even desserts! This recipe provides detailed steps and instructions to guide you through the process, ensuring a delicious and impressive result every time.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Sweet and Spicy:** The combination of tart cranberries and spicy jalapeños is simply irresistible.
* **Festive and Colorful:** The bright red cranberries and green jalapeños make it visually appealing on any table.
* **Versatile:** Enjoy it with a variety of dishes, from Thanksgiving turkey to cream cheese and crackers.
* **Easy to Make:** With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is a breeze to prepare.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Cranberry jalapeño relish can be made several days in advance, making it perfect for holiday gatherings.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Fresh Cranberries:** Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor and texture. Frozen cranberries can be used in a pinch, but they may release more liquid during cooking.
* **Jalapeños:** The amount of jalapeños you use will determine the heat level of the relish. For a milder relish, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños. For a spicier relish, leave the seeds in. Use fresh jalapeños; canned or jarred jalapeños won’t provide the same level of flavor or texture.
* **Sugar (or Honey):** Sugar adds sweetness to balance the tartness of the cranberries and the heat of the jalapeños. Honey can be used as a natural alternative for a slightly different flavor profile. The sweetness level can be adjusted to your taste.
* **Orange Zest and Juice:** Orange zest and juice add a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the cranberries and jalapeños perfectly. Use fresh orange zest and juice for the best flavor. Other citrus fruits like lemon or lime can be added to the mix for a unique flavor.
* **Apple Cider Vinegar (or White Vinegar):** Vinegar adds a touch of acidity that helps to preserve the relish and balance the sweetness and spice. Apple cider vinegar adds a slightly fruity flavor, while white vinegar provides a cleaner, more neutral flavor. Other kinds of vinegar like rice vinegar can also be used in the recipe.
* **Salt:** Salt enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients. Use a pinch of salt to bring out the best in your relish.
* **Optional Add-ins:** Chopped red onion, garlic, ginger, or cilantro can be added to the relish for extra flavor and complexity. Consider adding other berries like blueberries or raspberries for variation.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Saucepan:** A medium-sized saucepan is perfect for cooking the relish. Make sure the saucepan is large enough to hold all the ingredients without overflowing.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** Accurate measurements are important for ensuring the best results. Use measuring cups and spoons to measure out the ingredients carefully.
* **Cutting Board and Knife:** A cutting board and knife are needed for chopping the jalapeños and optional ingredients like red onion or garlic.
* **Zester:** A zester is used to remove the zest from the orange. If you don’t have a zester, you can use a vegetable peeler to remove thin strips of the orange peel and then finely chop them.
* **Citrus Juicer:** A citrus juicer is used to juice the orange. If you don’t have a citrus juicer, you can simply squeeze the orange by hand.
* **Wooden Spoon or Spatula:** A wooden spoon or spatula is used to stir the relish while it’s cooking. This helps to prevent the relish from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan.
* **Jars or Airtight Containers:** Jars or airtight containers are used to store the finished relish. Make sure the jars or containers are clean and dry before filling them.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### Step 1: Prepare the Jalapeños

Carefully wash the jalapeños. If you prefer a milder relish, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños. For a spicier relish, leave the seeds in. Finely chop the jalapeños. Be very careful when handling jalapeños, as the oils can irritate your skin and eyes. It’s a good idea to wear gloves when chopping jalapeños. If you don’t wear gloves, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling jalapeños, and avoid touching your face or eyes.

### Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Saucepan

In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, chopped jalapeños, sugar (or honey), orange zest, orange juice, apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar), and salt. Stir to combine all the ingredients evenly. Ensure that the sugar is dispersed well within the mixture to prevent burning during the cooking process.

### Step 3: Cook the Relish

Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the relish has thickened. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and burning. The relish is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and a line drawn through it holds its shape. Be patient during this process, as the relish will thicken as it cools.

### Step 4: Taste and Adjust Seasonings

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the relish cool slightly. Taste the relish and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you prefer a sweeter relish, add more sugar or honey. If you prefer a spicier relish, add more chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. If the relish is too tart, add a little more sugar or honey and a pinch of salt to balance the flavors. Stir well to incorporate the additional seasonings.

### Step 5: Cool and Store

Let the relish cool completely before transferring it to jars or airtight containers. The relish will thicken further as it cools. Store the relish in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, the relish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw the relish in the refrigerator before serving. Properly sealed and refrigerated, the relish can remain fresh for an extended period due to the vinegar’s preserving qualities.

## Tips for Success

* **Adjust the Heat:** Control the heat level by adjusting the amount of jalapeños and whether or not you include the seeds and membranes. Start with less jalapeño and add more to taste. It’s easier to add heat than to remove it.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooking the relish can make it too thick and sticky. Cook it just until the cranberries have burst and the relish has thickened slightly.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh cranberries, jalapeños, and orange zest and juice will provide the best flavor. Avoid using canned or jarred ingredients if possible.
* **Make it Ahead:** Cranberry jalapeño relish can be made several days in advance, making it perfect for holiday gatherings. The flavors will meld together and deepen over time.
* **Sterilize Jars for Longer Storage:** If you plan to store the relish for an extended period, sterilize the jars before filling them. This will help to prevent spoilage.

## Variations and Additions

* **Add Red Onion:** Finely chopped red onion adds a savory and slightly pungent flavor to the relish. Add about 1/4 cup of chopped red onion to the saucepan along with the other ingredients.
* **Add Garlic:** Minced garlic adds a pungent and savory flavor to the relish. Add about 1-2 cloves of minced garlic to the saucepan along with the other ingredients. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
* **Add Ginger:** Grated fresh ginger adds a warm and spicy flavor to the relish. Add about 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger to the saucepan along with the other ingredients.
* **Add Cilantro:** Chopped fresh cilantro adds a bright and herbaceous flavor to the relish. Stir in about 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro after the relish has cooled slightly.
* **Add Other Berries:** Add other berries like blueberries or raspberries to the relish for a more complex flavor. Use about 1 cup of mixed berries in addition to the cranberries.
* **Use Different Vinegar:** Experiment with different types of vinegar, such as balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar, for a unique flavor. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
* **Add Nuts:** Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. Stir in about 1/2 cup of chopped nuts after the relish has cooled slightly.
* **Add Dried Fruit:** Add chopped dried fruit like cranberries, raisins, or apricots for a chewy texture and added sweetness. Stir in about 1/2 cup of chopped dried fruit along with the other ingredients.
* **Make it a Chutney:** For a more complex and flavorful relish, add spices like cinnamon, cloves, or cardamom. This will turn the relish into a cranberry jalapeño chutney.

## Serving Suggestions

Cranberry jalapeño relish is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of dishes:

* **With Roasted Meats:** It’s a classic accompaniment to roasted turkey, chicken, or pork. The sweet and spicy flavors complement the savory meat perfectly.
* **With Cheese and Crackers:** Serve it with a variety of cheeses, such as brie, cream cheese, or goat cheese, and crackers for a delicious appetizer.
* **On Sandwiches:** Add it to sandwiches for a flavorful and unexpected twist. It’s especially good on turkey or ham sandwiches.
* **With Grilled Cheese:** Take your grilled cheese to the next level by adding a spoonful of cranberry jalapeño relish.
* **As a Pizza Topping:** Use it as a pizza topping for a sweet and spicy pizza. It pairs well with mozzarella, goat cheese, and prosciutto.
* **With Tacos:** Add it to tacos for a burst of flavor. It’s especially good with fish tacos or shrimp tacos.
* **With Eggs:** Serve it with scrambled eggs or omelets for a sweet and spicy breakfast.
* **With Ice Cream:** Surprisingly, it can be a delicious topping for vanilla ice cream. The sweet and spicy flavors create a unique and unexpected combination.
* **As a Glaze:** Use it as a glaze for roasted meats or vegetables. Brush it on during the last few minutes of cooking for a sweet and spicy finish.
* **As a Dip:** Serve it as a dip with tortilla chips or pita bread. It’s a great alternative to salsa.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* **Calories:** Approximately 50-75 calories per serving (depending on the amount of sugar used).
* **Fat:** Less than 1 gram per serving.
* **Carbohydrates:** 15-20 grams per serving.
* **Protein:** Less than 1 gram per serving.

*Note:* This is an estimated nutritional information and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

## Recipe Card

**Cranberry Jalapeño Relish**

A sweet, spicy, and festive relish perfect for the holidays or any time you want to add a little kick to your meal.

**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 20 minutes
**Total Time:** 30 minutes
**Yield:** Approximately 2 cups

**Ingredients:**

* 12 ounces fresh cranberries
* 2-3 jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for milder heat)
* 1 cup granulated sugar (or honey)
* 1 orange, zest and juice
* 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
* Pinch of salt
* Optional: 1/4 cup chopped red onion, 1 clove minced garlic, 1 tsp grated ginger, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

**Instructions:**

1. Prepare the Jalapeños: Wash and finely chop the jalapeños. Remove seeds and membranes for less heat.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, jalapeños, sugar, orange zest, orange juice, vinegar, and salt.
3. Cook the Relish: Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until cranberries burst and relish thickens, stirring frequently.
4. Taste and Adjust: Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Taste and add more sugar or jalapeños as needed.
5. Cool and Store: Let cool completely before transferring to jars or airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.

**Notes:**

* Adjust heat by controlling the amount of jalapeños and whether or not you include the seeds.
* Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
* Make ahead of time for the best flavor.

Enjoy your delicious Cranberry Jalapeño Relish!