Effortless Cranberry Orange Relish: A Festive Delight in Minutes

Cranberry orange relish is a vibrant, tangy, and sweet condiment that perfectly complements roasted meats, poultry, and even desserts. This easy cranberry orange relish recipe is a no-cook wonder that comes together in minutes, making it the ideal addition to your holiday table or a delightful treat any time of year. Forget the canned cranberry sauce – this fresh, flavorful relish is a game-changer! This recipe requires minimal effort and delivers a burst of zesty flavor that will impress your family and friends.

**Why You’ll Love This Recipe**

* **Quick and Easy:** This relish requires no cooking! Just chop, mix, and chill.
* **Fresh and Flavorful:** The combination of fresh cranberries, oranges, and a touch of sweetness creates a vibrant and delicious relish.
* **Versatile:** Serve it with turkey, chicken, pork, or even on toast or yogurt.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Prepare it a day or two in advance for stress-free entertaining.
* **Festive and Beautiful:** Its vibrant color adds a touch of elegance to any meal.
* **Customizable:** Adjust the sweetness and spices to your liking.
* **Healthy:** Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants.

**Ingredients You’ll Need**

* **Fresh Cranberries:** 12 ounces (about 3 cups) – The star of the show! Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor and texture. Rinse and pick them over before using.
* **Oranges:** 2 medium – Choose juicy oranges with thin skins. Navel oranges are a good option.
* **Sugar:** ¾ cup – Granulated sugar is commonly used, but you can experiment with brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey for a different flavor profile. Adjust the amount to your preferred sweetness level.
* **Orange Liqueur (optional):** 2 tablespoons (such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier) – Adds a sophisticated flavor and enhances the orange notes. Omit for an alcohol-free version.
* **Pecans or Walnuts (optional):** ½ cup, chopped – Adds a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor. Toast them lightly for an even richer taste.
* **Fresh Ginger (optional):** 1 tablespoon, grated – A touch of fresh ginger adds a warm and spicy note.
* **Cinnamon (optional):** ¼ teaspoon, ground – Adds a subtle warmth and complements the other flavors.
* **Lemon Juice (optional):** 1 tablespoon – Balances the sweetness and acidity.

**Equipment You’ll Need**

* **Food Processor (highly recommended):** For quick and easy chopping. A blender can also be used, but be careful not to over-process.
* **Cutting Board and Knife:** If you prefer to chop the ingredients by hand.
* **Large Bowl:** For mixing the ingredients.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measurements.
* **Storage Container:** An airtight container for storing the relish in the refrigerator.

**Step-by-Step Instructions**

Here’s how to make this delightful cranberry orange relish:

**Step 1: Prepare the Oranges**

* Wash the oranges thoroughly.
* Using a sharp knife, cut the oranges into quarters.
* Remove any seeds or tough membranes. Don’t peel the oranges; the peel adds a wonderful zest and bitterness that balances the sweetness.

**Step 2: Prepare the Cranberries**

* Rinse the fresh cranberries under cold water.
* Pick out any soft or damaged cranberries.
* Drain the cranberries well.

**Step 3: Process the Ingredients**

* Place the quartered oranges (with peel), cranberries, and sugar into the food processor.
* Pulse the mixture until finely chopped but not pureed. You want a slightly chunky texture. Be careful not to over-process, or the relish will become too watery. If you are using a blender, you may need to add a little water to get it started, but use as little as possible. Process in short bursts to avoid a puree.
* If you don’t have a food processor, you can chop the oranges and cranberries by hand, but it will take considerably longer.

**Step 4: Add the Optional Ingredients**

* Transfer the cranberry-orange mixture to a large bowl.
* Stir in the orange liqueur (if using), chopped pecans or walnuts (if using), grated fresh ginger (if using), cinnamon (if using), and lemon juice (if using).
* Mix everything together until well combined.

**Step 5: Chill the Relish**

* Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the relish to an airtight container.
* Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the relish to thicken. Chilling is crucial for the relish to develop its best flavor and texture.

**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy**

* Before serving, give the relish a good stir.
* Serve chilled or at room temperature.
* Store leftover relish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

**Tips and Variations**

* **Adjust the Sweetness:** Taste the relish after chilling and add more sugar or sweetener if needed. Remember that the flavors will mellow as it sits.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Add Dried Fruit:** Stir in some chopped dried cranberries, apricots, or cherries for added sweetness and texture.
* **Use Different Nuts:** Try using almonds, hazelnuts, or macadamia nuts instead of pecans or walnuts.
* **Add Apples or Pears:** Chop a small apple or pear and add it to the food processor along with the cranberries and oranges for a different flavor profile.
* **Make it Alcoholic:** Instead of orange liqueur, try using cranberry liqueur, bourbon, or rum.
* **Vegan Option:** Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of sugar.
* **For a smoother relish:** Process the ingredients for a longer time, but be careful not to over-process and make it watery.
* **Citrus Zest:** Enhance the citrus flavor by adding the zest of one orange to the mixture. Be sure to avoid the white pith, which can be bitter.
* **Pineapple:** Add chunks of fresh pineapple for a tropical twist.
* **Horseradish:** For a more savory relish, add a teaspoon or two of prepared horseradish.
* **Maple Syrup and Rosemary:** Replace the sugar with maple syrup and add a sprig of fresh rosemary while the relish chills. Remove the rosemary before serving.

**Serving Suggestions**

* **Thanksgiving Dinner:** A classic accompaniment to roasted turkey and stuffing.
* **Christmas Ham:** Pairs perfectly with a glazed ham.
* **Roasted Chicken or Pork:** Adds a burst of flavor to any roasted meat.
* **Sandwiches:** Use it as a spread for turkey or ham sandwiches.
* **Crackers and Cheese:** Serve it as an appetizer with crackers and cream cheese or brie.
* **Yogurt or Oatmeal:** A healthy and delicious topping for breakfast.
* **Desserts:** Spoon it over ice cream or cheesecake.
* **Pancakes or Waffles:** A sweet and tangy topping for breakfast or brunch.
* **Salad Dressing:** Whisk it into a vinaigrette for a unique salad dressing.

**Make-Ahead Instructions**

This cranberry orange relish is perfect for making ahead of time. In fact, it tastes even better after the flavors have had a chance to meld together. You can prepare it up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

**Storage Instructions**

Store leftover cranberry orange relish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It may become slightly more watery over time, but the flavor will still be delicious.

**Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)**

* **Can I use frozen cranberries?** Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Thaw them slightly before using, but don’t let them get too soft. Drain off any excess liquid.
* **Can I use canned oranges?** Fresh oranges are highly recommended for the best flavor and texture. Canned oranges are too soft and often have a metallic taste.
* **Can I make this recipe without a food processor?** Yes, you can chop the cranberries and oranges by hand, but it will take longer. Use a sharp knife and chop the ingredients as finely as possible.
* **Is this recipe gluten-free?** Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
* **Is this recipe vegan?** Yes, this recipe can be made vegan by using maple syrup or agave nectar instead of sugar.
* **Can I freeze cranberry orange relish?** While you can freeze it, the texture might change slightly upon thawing. It will become a bit softer. If freezing, store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
* **My relish is too tart. What can I do?** Add more sugar or sweetener to taste. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the flavors.
* **My relish is too watery. What can I do?** Drain off any excess liquid. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water and heat it gently in a saucepan until thickened. Let it cool before adding it to the relish.
* **Why is my relish bitter?** The bitterness is likely from the orange peel. Be sure to use oranges with thin skins and remove any tough membranes.
* **Can I add other fruits?** Yes, you can add other fruits like apples, pears, or pineapple. Just chop them finely and add them to the food processor along with the cranberries and oranges.

**Nutritional Information (Approximate)**

(Per serving, based on 1/4 cup serving size, without nuts or liqueur)

* Calories: 80-100
* Fat: 0g
* Saturated Fat: 0g
* Cholesterol: 0mg
* Sodium: 0mg
* Carbohydrates: 20-25g
* Fiber: 2-3g
* Sugar: 15-20g
* Protein: 0g

**Conclusion**

This easy cranberry orange relish recipe is a simple yet impressive way to elevate any meal. Its vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation make it a perfect addition to holiday gatherings or a delightful treat for everyday enjoyment. With its minimal effort and make-ahead convenience, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. So, ditch the canned cranberry sauce and give this fresh, flavorful relish a try! You won’t be disappointed. Happy cooking!