Cranberry sauce is a classic accompaniment to various dishes, especially during Thanksgiving and other festive meals. Its rich history dates back to Native American cultures, who used cranberries for their medicinal and culinary properties. Over time, cranberry sauce has evolved into a beloved side dish.
The key components of the absolute best cranberry sauce typically include fresh cranberries, sweetener (such as sugar or maple syrup), liquid (water, orange juice, or other fruit juices), and optional flavorings like citrus zest or spices.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to prepare the absolute best cranberry sauce:
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup water or orange juice
- Zest of one orange (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Steps:
- Rinse the cranberries under cold water and remove any stems or blemished berries.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the sugar (or maple syrup) and water (or orange juice). Stir over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add the cranberries to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the cranberries simmer. You’ll hear them start to pop as they cook. Continue cooking for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries have softened and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- If using, stir in the orange zest and cinnamon for added flavor.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness if needed. Keep in mind that the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the cranberry sauce cool to room temperature. It will also thicken further as it cools.
- Once cooled, transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving bowl or an airtight container. You can refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve.
Time needed: The total time to prepare cranberry sauce is around 20-25 minutes. This includes the preparation, cooking, and cooling time.
Enjoy your homemade cranberry sauce as a delightful addition to your holiday meals or any time you’re craving its tangy-sweet goodness!
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and health information for cranberry sauce:
Nutrition Facts (per 1/4 cup serving):
- Calories: Approximately 70
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 0mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 16g
- Protein: 0g
- Vitamin D: 0%
- Calcium: 0%
- Iron: 0%
- Potassium: 1%
Health Information:
- Cranberries are rich in antioxidants, particularly vitamin C and various phytonutrients. These antioxidants help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- The natural compounds in cranberries are associated with potential health benefits, including supporting urinary tract health.
- Cranberries are low in calories and fat, making cranberry sauce a relatively light option compared to some other sides.
- The fiber content in cranberries can contribute to digestive health and promote a feeling of fullness.
- The sugar content in cranberry sauce comes primarily from added sweeteners. While cranberries themselves have some natural sugars, the majority of the sweetness in the sauce comes from sugar or maple syrup.
- Portion control is important due to the added sugar content. Consuming cranberry sauce in moderation is recommended as part of a balanced diet.
Keep in mind that the nutritional content may vary based on the specific ingredients and proportions used in your recipe. If you’re looking for a healthier version, you can consider using alternative sweeteners or reducing the amount of added sugar while still enjoying the delicious flavors of cranberry sauce.
