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Cozy Spiced Cranberry Sauce with Orange and Ginger

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A simple, soul-soothing cranberry sauce with bright orange, warming ginger, and a whisper of cinnamon and cloves. Perfect for holiday feasts or cozy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 large orange (zest and juice)
  • 1-inch piece (15 g) fresh ginger, peeled and grated
  • 1/3 cup (110 g) honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
  • 1 cinnamon stick (or 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon)
  • 3–4 whole cloves
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: Rinse cranberries, pick out any soft ones. Zest the orange (about 1 tbsp), then juice it (about 1/4 cup). Peel and finely grate the ginger. Measure honey and water.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine water, orange juice, honey, cinnamon stick, and whole cloves. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring to dissolve honey.
  3. Add cranberries, stir, and increase heat to medium-high. Bring to a boil (cranberries will pop). Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently.
  4. After 5 minutes, use a wooden spoon to gently press about half the cranberries against the side of the pot to break them down. Leave the other half whole. Continue simmering for 5-7 minutes until thickened and whole cranberries are tender but hold their shape.
  5. Remove from heat. Fish out cinnamon stick and cloves. Stir in orange zest, grated ginger, vanilla extract (if using), and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust sweetness (add more honey if too tart, or lemon juice if too sweet).
  6. Let cool in the pot for 10 minutes, then transfer to a glass jar or airtight container. Sauce will thicken as it cools. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.

Notes

For best texture, use the two-stage technique: break down half the cranberries for a jammy base, leave the other half whole for pops of fruit. Add orange zest and ginger at the end to preserve their bright flavors. Sauce thickens as it cools, so aim for a slightly loose consistency in the pot. Make ahead for deeper flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry sauce, spiced cranberry sauce, orange cranberry sauce, ginger cranberry sauce, homemade cranberry sauce, Thanksgiving side dish, holiday recipe

Find it online: https://zestynora.com/cozy-spiced-cranberry-sauce-with-orange-and-ginger/