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5 from 3 votes

Quick Dried Cranberry Sauce recipe

This dried cranberry sauce recipe is a simple and flavorful addition to your creations, offering a tangy, homemade touch that pairs perfectly with everything from thumbprint cookies to festive desserts.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 1.5 cups
Calories 454kcal
Author Sushma Iyer

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Dried Cranberries
  • 1 cup Orange Juice
  • 1/4 cup Sugar
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
  • Pinch of Salt
  • Zest of 1 orange

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, soak the dried cranberries in orange juice (or water) for about 10-15 minutes. This step softens the cranberries and helps them absorb the flavors.
  • Transfer the soaked cranberries along with the juice into a medium saucepan. Add sugar, lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine.
  • Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally, ensuring the sugar dissolves completely.
  • Let the sauce simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until it thickens and the cranberries soften.
  • Stir in the zest of one orange and lemon juice for added citrus flavor. Continue stirring for a minute.
  • You can mash the cranberries with a spoon or use an immersion blender to blend the mixture into a smooth sauce.
  • Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool to room temperature. You can serve it immediately or store it in the refrigerator for later use.

Notes

  1. Orange juice gives a classic citrusy flavor, but you can experiment with cranberry juice or apple juice for variations. If using water, consider adding lemon juice for extra acidity.
  2. For a smoother consistency, you can use a food processor or immersion blender to blend the cranberry sauce after simmering.
  3. This cranberry sauce is perfect for holiday meals like Thanksgiving or Christmas and pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, sandwiches, or even as a topping for baked goods like thumbprint cookies.
  4. Store any leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze it for up to three months.

Nutrition

Calories: 454kcal | Carbohydrates: 118g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Sodium: 6mg | Potassium: 381mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 106g | Vitamin A: 331IU | Vitamin C: 87mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 1mg
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