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Quick and Easy Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest

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This quick cranberry sauce with orange zest and rosemary is a bright, bold, and easy-to-make side dish that takes under 20 minutes. It’s the perfect balance of tart cranberries, fresh citrus, and herbal warmth, making it a showstopper on any holiday table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) fresh orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons orange zest
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary (4–5 inches long)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) water

Instructions

  1. Zest and juice your orange first. Wash the orange well, zest 2 tablespoons (avoid the white pith), then squeeze 1/2 cup of juice. Set aside.
  2. Combine the liquid base. In a medium saucepan, add water and orange juice. Stir in sugar. Heat over medium-high, stirring constantly, until sugar is dissolved (about 2-3 minutes).
  3. Add the cranberries and rosemary. Dump in the cranberries and add the whole rosemary sprig. Stir.
  4. Bring to a boil. Increase heat to high and bring to a full rolling boil (about 3-4 minutes). Watch for boil-over.
  5. Reduce to a simmer and let the berries pop. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most berries have burst and sauce thickens.
  6. Test for doneness. Dip a spoon in the sauce; run your finger down the back. If it leaves a clean line that doesn’t immediately fill back in, it’s done. If too runny, simmer 2-3 more minutes.
  7. Remove the rosemary and stir in the zest. Fish out the rosemary sprig and discard. Stir in the orange zest.
  8. Cool and serve. Transfer to a serving bowl or jar. Let cool to room temperature. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.

Notes

Don’t skip dissolving the sugar first to prevent burning. Add orange zest at the end to preserve fresh flavor. The sauce thickens as it cools. Make ahead for best flavor—keeps up to 10 days in the fridge. For a smoother sauce, strain after cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry sauce, orange zest, rosemary, quick, easy, Thanksgiving, holiday, side dish

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/quick-and-easy-cranberry-sauce-with-orange-zest/