This bright and tangy cranberry mango sauce is perfect for adding some zest to your meals! The sweet mango balances the tart cranberries, making it a cheerful condiment.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries bring a bright flavor, but you can use frozen ones if fresh aren’t available. Just thaw them beforehand.
Mango: A ripe mango adds sweetness and a tropical twist. If mango isn’t in season, use canned mango (drained) or try fresh peaches for a similar effect.
Sugar: Adjust sugar to your taste; if you’re looking to cut calories, replace with honey or maple syrup. Start with less but add more if needed.
Lemon Juice: This adds freshness. If you don’t have lemon, lime juice works well too. Just be aware it might change the flavor slightly!
Vanilla Extract: This is optional but gives a nice depth of flavor. You can skip it if you prefer a more straightforward fruity taste.
How Do I Achieve a Chunky Yet Saucy Texture?
To get that perfect balance in your cranberry mango sauce, you want the cranberries to burst and the mango to soften but still have some chunks. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by boiling the mixture to soften the cranberries quickly.
- When you reduce the heat, simmer gently. This allows them to burst without breaking down completely.
- Stir occasionally and check for consistency. If it’s too thick, a splash of water can help!
Let it cool a bit—this will help thicken the sauce too. Enjoy experimenting with textures!
Cranberry Mango Sauce Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)
- Fresh herb sprig for garnish (such as rosemary or thyme, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cranberry mango sauce takes about 25 minutes in total: 5 minutes for prep and around 20 minutes to cook. It’s a quick and easy addition to your meals that can be made ahead of time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Your Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, add the cranberries, diced mango, granulated sugar, and water. This mix is where the magic begins!
2. Bring It to a Boil:
Turn the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Keep an eye on it, as it will bubble up. When you see those bubbles, it’s time to move on to the next step!
3. Let It Simmer:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer. Stir occasionally. Cook for about 10-15 minutes until those cranberries burst and the mango softens, creating a deliciously chunky sauce.
4. Add Lemon and Vanilla:
Mix in the fresh lemon juice and the vanilla extract (if you’re using it). Let it simmer for another 2 minutes to blend those flavors together beautifully.
5. Cool It Down:
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool slightly. As it cools, it will thicken a bit more. No need to rush; just allow it to settle!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer your lovely cranberry mango sauce to a serving bowl. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish it with a fresh herb sprig, like rosemary or thyme. It looks pretty and adds a nice hint of flavor.
7. Perfect Pairings:
This sauce is delightful warm or chilled. Enjoy it with poultry, pork, or even as a vibrant addition to your sandwiches. It’s sure to bring a smile to your face!
Enjoy this lovely blend of tart cranberries and sweet mango that’s perfect for any occasion! 🍽️
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking, or add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time if using them straight from the freezer.
How Sweet Should the Sauce Be?
The sweetness is a personal preference! Start with 3/4 cup of sugar, then taste the sauce as it cooks. You can add more sugar if you like it sweeter. Remember that the tartness from the cranberries will balance out the sweetness!
Can I Make This Sauce in Advance?
Yes, you can make this sauce up to a week in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen over time, making it even more delicious!
What’s the Best Way to Serve Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. It’s fantastic served over pancakes, as a topping for yogurt, or even mixed into oatmeal for a fruity twist!
