How to Make the Perfect Cranberry Orange Relish with Fresh Ginger
American · Easy · 10 min · 10 servings
This vibrant no-cook cranberry orange relish is made by pulsing fresh cranberries with orange zest, juice, and fresh ginger into a bright tangy condiment that cuts through the richness of the Thanksgiving meal. It is ready in minutes and far superior to anything that comes from a can.
Why this recipe works
This Cranberry Orange Relish with Fresh Ginger recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 10 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 85 calories with 0g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 large navel orange zested and juiced
- 0.75 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger peeled and grated
- 0.25 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch kosher salt
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Citrus
Using a fine grater, zest the entire orange before cutting it in half and juicing it. Set both the zest and juice aside. The zest contains essential oils that give this relish its intense citrus flavor so do not skip this step.
Step 2: Pulse the Cranberries
Place the fresh cranberries in a food processor and pulse 8 to 10 times until they are roughly chopped but still have some texture. You want a chunky relish not a smooth puree so be careful not to over-process.
Step 3: Combine All Ingredients
Transfer the chopped cranberries to a mixing bowl. Add the orange zest, orange juice, grated fresh ginger, sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of kosher salt. Stir everything together until the sugar begins to dissolve and all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This resting time allows the sugar to fully dissolve, the flavors to meld together, and the relish to thicken slightly. Stir once more before serving.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- fresh cranberries → frozen cranberries thawed completely are a perfect substitute
- granulated sugar → honey or maple syrup can replace sugar but start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Over-processing the cranberries in the food processor resulting in a mushy unappetizing texture
- Not allowing the relish to rest which means the sugar does not dissolve and the flavor is not fully developed
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 85 calories, 0g protein, 22g carbs, 0g fat, 3g fiber.
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