Cranberry Apple Relish
A vibrant and tangy cranberry apple relish combining sweet dried apricots, juicy oranges, and fresh cranberries, perfect as a holiday side or festive accompaniment.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dice apricots into small pieces.
- Peel and section oranges; cut out the orange meat and squeeze juice from the membrane.
- Save the orange sections.
- Bring orange juice, sugar, cranberries, and water to a boil, then reduce heat and cook until berries begin to pop.
- Cool the mixture for 5 minutes.
- Pour cranberry mixture over apricots and let stand for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the orange sections and diced apple.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve. The relish will thicken upon standing.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting dried apricots with dried cherries or raisins. If you prefer a less sweet relish, reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup. Make sure to use fresh cranberries, as they provide a tartness that balances the sweetness of the apricots and oranges. To enhance the dish, a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can be added during cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This cranberry apple relish pairs beautifully with roasted meats, particularly turkey or pork, making it a perfect addition to holiday meals. Serve it alongside vegetarian dishes or as a topping for a Pull Apart Cake. It also works well as a spread on sandwiches or with crackers as a refreshing appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day. If you prefer a warm relish, simply reheat it gently on the stove over low heat until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Apple Relish contains roughly 377 calories, with 2g protein, 99g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this relish ahead of time?
Yes, this relish can be made up to three days in advance. Just prepare it according to the instructions and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors develop beautifully as it sits, making it an ideal make-ahead dish for gatherings.
Is it possible to use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries; however, do not thaw them before cooking. Add them straight to the pot and adjust the cooking time slightly, as they may need a few extra minutes to pop. The relish will still turn out delicious!
How can I modify this recipe to make it less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, consider decreasing the sugar to 1/2 cup or using a sugar substitute. Additionally, you can increase the amount of fresh cranberries, which will enhance the tartness of the relish, balancing the overall flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).