Here’s a simple recipe for cranberry sauce using dried cranberries, which is perfect for when fresh cranberries are out of season:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 1/2 cups water (or orange juice for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust based on sweetness preference)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
- 1 cinnamon stick or 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Soak the Cranberries:
- Place the dried cranberries in a bowl and cover them with the water (or orange juice). Let them soak for about 30 minutes to rehydrate. This step helps in achieving a more sauce-like texture.
- Cook the Mixture:
- After soaking, transfer the cranberries along with the soaking liquid to a saucepan.
- Add the sugar, lemon juice, orange zest if using, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- Simmer:
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. The sauce will thicken as it cooks. This should take about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Adjust Consistency:
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more water or orange juice. If too thin, continue simmering until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the sauce and adjust sweetness or tartness by adding more sugar or lemon juice if needed.
- Cool:
- Remove from heat and let it cool. The sauce will thicken further as it cools.
- Serve or Store:
- Serve warm or at room temperature. If you prefer it cold, refrigerate once it has cooled down. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Notes:
- If you like a chunkier sauce, you might mash some of the cranberries with a fork or leave them whole. For a smoother sauce, you can blend part or all of the mixture once it’s cooled.
- This sauce can be used not only as a side for holiday meals but also as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or even in sandwiches for a burst of flavor.
Enjoy your homemade dried cranberry sauce!