This Cranberry Red Wine Sauce is a festive blend of tart cranberries and rich red wine, making it a perfect topping for your holiday meals. It adds a sweet and tangy kick!
Trust me, this sauce can steal the spotlight! I love serving it with turkey or roast beef—it adds a touch of fancy without the fuss. You might just want to lick the pan clean! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor, but frozen ones are a great alternative. Just rinse them before use. I always keep a bag of frozen cranberries in my freezer—they come in handy for recipes like this!
Red Wine: Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon works best, but any dry red wine can be used. If you’re avoiding alcohol, substitute with grape juice mixed with a bit of vinegar for acidity—though this will change the depth of flavor slightly.
Sugar: I prefer granulated sugar, but brown sugar adds a richer flavor. You could also use honey or maple syrup, but adjust the quantity, as they are sweeter than regular sugar.
Shallot: If you don’t have shallots, finely chopped onion or even garlic can work. Shallots have a milder taste, so use less of a stronger onion to avoid overpowering the sauce.
How Can I Simmer Cranberries for the Perfect Texture?
Simmering the cranberries is key to achieving that delicious burst of flavor and the right texture. Follow these simple steps:
- Once your sauce ingredients are combined, bring it to a gentle simmer. This helps meld the flavors together.
- Add the cranberries and stir occasionally. You’ll hear some of them pop—this is good!
- Keep an eye on the cooking time (about 10-15 minutes). The goal is for the cranberries to burst but not turn to mush. If you simmer too long, you’ll end up with sauce that’s too thick.
Let it cool before serving to allow it to thicken further, enhancing that delightful sauce texture perfect for your dishes! Enjoy making your sauce vibrant and fruity! 🌟
Cranberry Red Wine Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh cranberries
- 1 cup red wine (such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1-2 thin strips of orange peel
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary (for infusion)
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and an additional 15 minutes to cook, making the total time around 25 minutes. It’s a quick and simple sauce that’s perfect for any holiday feast or special occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cold water and check for any bruised or damaged ones—discard those, as they won’t add the right flavor to your sauce.
2. Combine the Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, mix the red wine, granulated sugar, freshly squeezed orange juice, finely chopped shallot, cinnamon stick, orange peel strips, rosemary sprig, and a pinch of salt. Stir the mixture gently until the sugar has dissolved completely.
3. Simmer with Cranberries:
Once the mixture is combined, bring it to a gentle simmer. Then, carefully add the rinsed cranberries to the saucepan. Let them simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice some cranberries beginning to burst—this is what you want for that deliciously thick sauce!
4. Finish the Sauce:
Once the sauce has thickened slightly and the cranberries are tender but still hold their shape, remove the saucepan from heat. Take out the cinnamon stick, orange peel strips, and rosemary sprig as you won’t need those anymore.
5. Cool and Serve:
Let the sauce cool slightly. It will continue to thicken as it cools, giving it that perfect texture. When ready, transfer your beautiful cranberry red wine sauce to a serving bowl and consider garnishing it with a small rosemary sprig and an orange peel strip to make it look extra festive.
This sauce pairs wonderfully with roast turkey, pork, or beef dishes, adding a bright, tangy, and aromatic flavor that beautifully complements your meal. Enjoy this delightful addition to your feast!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries for This Sauce?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work well in this recipe. Just rinse them before using and don’t worry about thawing; they’ll cook up perfectly in the sauce.
What Should I Do If My Sauce Is Too Thick?
If you find your sauce is too thick for your liking, simply stir in a tablespoon or two of water or additional orange juice gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Cranberry Red Wine Sauce?
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It also freezes well—just thaw and reheat gently when you’re ready to use it again!
What Are Some Good Pairings for This Sauce?
This sauce pairs beautifully with roast turkey, pork tenderloin, or beef dishes. It’s also a delicious topping for desserts like vanilla ice cream or cheesecake if you want to get adventurous! Enjoy experimenting!
