Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups cranberries (340 grams)
- ⅓ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- ½ tablespoon orange zest
- ¾ cups maple syrup
- 1 cup water
Optional Additions
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: Place the cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, maple syrup, and water into a medium pot. Turn the heat to medium and stir to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the cranberries: As the mixture heats, the cranberries will begin to simmer and pop. To avoid splashing from the popping berries, place a lid halfway on the pot if necessary.
- Mash the cranberries: Once the cranberries start softening and bursting open, use a potato masher to mash them in the pot until you reach your preferred sauce consistency.
- Thicken the sauce: Remove the masher and continue stirring on medium heat until the sauce has thickened slightly. Remember, it will continue to thicken as it cools, so a slightly looser texture is fine at this stage.
- Finalize and flavor: Remove the pot from heat and stir in optional vanilla extract and ground cinnamon if using, adding a warm aromatic depth to the sauce.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cranberry sauce to cool to room temperature. Serve as a flavorful accompaniment to your favorite savory dishes or holiday favorites.
Notes
- The sauce thickens more as it cools, so don’t worry if it looks a bit runny right after cooking.
- To control tartness or sweetness, adjust maple syrup quantity to taste.
- Using fresh orange zest and juice brightens the flavor but can be substituted with bottled juice and dried zest in a pinch.
- Optional cinnamon and vanilla add a warm, cozy note perfect for holiday meals.
- Store leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
