Vidalia Onion-Cranberry Relish
A vibrant, sweet-tart relish combining mellow Vidalia onions with tart cranberries, scented with cinnamon and brown sugar—perfect for holiday tables or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the onion in butter in a medium skillet for 10 minutes or till tender, stirring frequently.
- Add wine and salt to the skillet and cook and stir for 1 minute more.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
- Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and 1 cup water in a medium saucepan and simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes.
- Add 2 cups cranberries and cook, uncovered, for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the remaining cranberries and cook for 10 minutes more or till berries pop, stirring frequently.
- Remove cinnamon sticks from the mixture.
- Stir in the onion mixture and transfer to a medium bowl.
- Cover and chill until serving time or up to 3 days.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider substituting the dry red wine with a splash of balsamic vinegar. If Vidalia onions are unavailable, any mild sweet onion will work. Stirring frequently is key to prevent the onions from burning. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth in the relish, complementing the sweetness of the cranberries.
Serving Suggestions
This Vidalia Onion-Cranberry Relish pairs beautifully with roasted meats, such as turkey or pork, and makes a delightful topping for sandwiches. It can also be served alongside cheese platters or used as a condiment for burgers. For a refreshing twist, try it with American recipes like grilled chicken salads.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits. To reheat, gently warm the relish on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. It can also be served cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vidalia Onion-Cranberry Relish contains roughly 752 calories, with 0g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 62g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2351mg per serving (102% of the Daily Value).
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 prepared a day or two in advance. Just follow the recipe, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. The chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even tastier when served.
What can I substitute for fresh cranberries?
If fresh cranberries are not available, you can use frozen cranberries as a substitute. Just thaw them before cooking. Alternatively, dried cranberries can be used, but they will alter the texture and sweetness of the relish, so adjust the sugar accordingly.
How spicy is this relish?
This relish is not spicy; it has a sweet and tangy flavor profile. The mild sweetness of the Vidalia onion and the tartness of the cranberries balance each other well. If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes during the cooking process.
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).