Tart Cranberry Relish
A vibrant, tart cranberry relish with orange and dried fruit flavors, perfect for holiday tables and those seeking a zesty, sweet-tart condiment to complement savory dishes.
Ingredients
- 12 oz. fresh cranberries ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. fresh orange juice ⓘ
- 1 c. dried apple slices or chunks, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 c. golden raisins ⓘ
- 1/2 c. raisins ⓘ
- 2 (2 1/2-inch) strips orange peel, cut into thin julienne strips ⓘ
- 1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick, broken in half ⓘ
- 8 whole cloves
- 2 to 3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except red wine vinegar in a large non-aluminum saucepan.
- Bring to a simmer, stirring to mix well.
- Cover; reduce heat and cook until cranberries burst and mixture thickens slightly, about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in vinegar.
- Cool.
- Cover and refrigerate at least overnight and up to 1 week.
- Remove from refrigerator 20 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a unique twist, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch. If fresh cranberries are unavailable, frozen can be a great substitute—just do not thaw them before cooking. Adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding more dried fruit or reducing the vinegar slightly. Keep in mind that the longer the relish sits, the more the flavors will meld together.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this tart cranberry relish alongside roasted meats, especially turkey or ham, for a delicious contrast. It pairs beautifully with Jellied Cranberry-Apricot Sauce for a vibrant holiday spread. For a casual gathering, consider using it as a topping for cream cheese on crackers or as a side to a cheese board. It also complements sweet dishes like pancakes or waffles.
Storage & Reheating
Store the tart cranberry relish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It can be made well in advance, as the flavors improve over time. If you have leftovers, it’s best served chilled. You can also freeze it for longer storage, but the texture may change slightly upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tart Cranberry Relish contains roughly 400 calories, with 4g protein, 92g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. It also contributes 12g 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 is best made ahead of time to allow the flavors to develop. Prepare it up to one week in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to take it out about 20 minutes before serving to bring it to room temperature.
What can I substitute for the dried apple slices?
If you don't have dried apple slices, you can substitute with dried apricots or even raisins for a similar sweetness. Just chop them into smaller pieces to maintain the texture. Each will give a slightly different flavor, but will still complement the cranberries well.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, the tart cranberry relish is naturally vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. You can enjoy it as part of vegan recipes during holidays or any meal. Just ensure all ingredients, like the vinegar, are plant-based.
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).