Ina Garten Cranberry Sauce is a must-have for any holiday table, offering a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors that beautifully complement the roasted turkey. This simple yet delicious recipe requires just a few ingredients and minimal effort, making it an essential side dish for Thanksgiving and other festive gatherings. With Ina Garten Cranberry Sauce, you can easily prepare a homemade sauce that’s sure to impress your guests and elevate your holiday meal.
What is Ina Garten Cranberry Sauce?
Ina Garten Cranberry Sauce is a classic homemade sauce made from fresh cranberries, sugar, and a hint of orange zest. The cranberries are simmered until they burst, creating a rich and tangy sauce that balances sweetness with a touch of tartness. This sauce is incredibly versatile, pairing well with meats, desserts, and even breakfast dishes.
Other Ina Garten Recipes
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: It takes only about 15 minutes to make, making it an easy addition to your holiday meal prep.
- Fresh Flavor: The combination of fresh cranberries and orange zest gives this sauce a vibrant taste.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this sauce ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Versatile Use: Not just for turkey, this sauce can be used in various dishes, from sandwiches to desserts.
- Homemade Goodness: Skip the canned stuff—this homemade version is far superior in taste and quality.
Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Cranberry Sauce
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- Zest of 1 orange
- Juice of 1 orange
Equipment
- Medium Saucepan: For cooking the cranberries and mixing all the ingredients.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Stir the sauce while it cooks.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure the sugar, orange juice, and other ingredients accurately.
- Zester or Grater: If adding fresh orange zest for extra flavor.
- Serving Bowl: To present the finished cranberry sauce.
Instructions to Make Ina Garten Cranberry Sauce
Step 1: Cook the Cranberries:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, and water.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Simmer Until Berries Pop:
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
Step 3: Add Orange Zest and Juice:
- Stir in the orange zest and juice. Continue to cook for another minute.
Step 4: Cool and Serve:
- Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool to room temperature. 6. The sauce will thicken as it cools. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
What Goes Well With Ina Garten Cranberry Sauce
- Roasted Turkey: A classic pairing for holiday meals.
- Ham: The sweet and tangy sauce complements the savory flavors of ham.
- Pork Loin: Adds a burst of flavor to roasted or grilled pork.
- Cheese Platter: Serve it alongside cheeses for a sweet contrast.
- Yogurt or Oatmeal: Stir into yogurt or oatmeal for a fruity kick.
Essential Tips for Perfecting Ina Garten Cranberry Sauce
- Use Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries yield the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overcook: Simmer just until the berries pop to retain some texture in the sauce.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the sauce and adjust the sugar level if needed.
- Cool Completely: Let the sauce cool completely before serving to allow it to set properly.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the sauce a day or two in advance to save time and enhance the flavors.
- Store Properly: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Variations of Ina Garten Cranberry Sauce
- Spiced Cranberry Sauce: Add a cinnamon stick or a pinch of nutmeg for warmth.
- Cranberry Orange Relish: For a chunkier texture, stir in chopped oranges and nuts after cooking.
- Apple Cranberry Sauce: Incorporate diced apples for a fruity twist.
- Boozy Cranberry Sauce: Add a splash of brandy or Grand Marnier for a sophisticated flavor.
- Ginger Cranberry Sauce: Add freshly grated ginger for a zesty kick.
Storing Ina Garten Cranberry Sauce: Best Practices
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freeze: This sauce freezes well; place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Thawing: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating Ina Garten Cranberry Sauce: Best Practices
- Stovetop: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: Warm in the microwave on low power, stirring every 30 seconds.
How can I make Ina Garten Cranberry Sauce healthier?
- Reduce the Sugar: Decrease the amount of sugar used in the recipe by half or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar to lower the calorie content.
- Use Fresh Orange Juice: Substitute processed orange juice with freshly squeezed orange juice to eliminate added sugars and preservatives, enhancing the natural flavor.
- Add More Fruit: Incorporate other fruits like apples, pears, or oranges to naturally sweeten the sauce and add more fiber, reducing the need for extra sugar.
- Include Spices: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for extra flavor without additional sugar. These spices also provide antioxidant benefits.
- Use Organic Cranberries: Choose organic cranberries to avoid pesticides and ensure a cleaner, more natural dish.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 1mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 0.3g
FAQs
How long does Ina Garten Cranberry Sauce last in the refrigerator?
Ina Garten Cranberry Sauce can last up to 10 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. The flavors often improve after a day or two, making it an excellent make-ahead dish for holiday meals.
Can Ina Garten Cranberry Sauce be frozen for later use?
Yes, you can freeze Ina Garten Cranberry Sauce. To freeze, allow the sauce to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
How do I thicken Ina Garten Cranberry Sauce if it’s too thin?
If your Ina Garten Cranberry Sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering the sauce for a few more minutes until it reaches the desired consistency. The natural pectin in the cranberries will help the sauce thicken as it cooks.
Can I use frozen cranberries to make Ina Garten Cranberry Sauce?
Frozen cranberries can be used to make Ina Garten Cranberry Sauce. There’s no need to thaw them first; simply add the frozen cranberries to the pot and follow the recipe as usual.
Final Words
Ina Garten Cranberry Sauce is a holiday classic that’s both easy to make and delicious. Its fresh, vibrant flavors make it a perfect accompaniment to many dishes, and it’s sure to be a hit at your holiday table. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful combination of tangy cranberries and sweet orange zest!
Related Recipes By Garin:
- Ina Garten Chicken Alfredo
- Ina Garten Spaghetti Sauce With Meat
- Ina Garten Lemon Shrimp Pasta
- Ina Garten Roasted Tomato Sauce
Ina Garten Cranberry Sauce
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Ina Garten Cranberry Sauce is a classic homemade sauce made from fresh cranberries, sugar, and a hint of orange zest. The cranberries are simmered until they burst, creating a rich and tangy sauce that balances sweetness with a touch of tartness. This sauce is incredibly versatile, pairing well with meats, desserts, and even breakfast dishes.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- Zest of 1 orange
- Juice of 1 orange
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Cranberries:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, and water.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Simmer Until Berries Pop:
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
Step 3: Add Orange Zest and Juice:
- Stir in the orange zest and juice. Continue to cook for another minute.
Step 4: Cool and Serve:
- Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool to room temperature. 6. The sauce will thicken as it cools. Serve chilled or at room temperature.