This tart and tangy cranberry red wine sauce is perfect for holiday meals! It combines juicy cranberries and rich red wine, adding a lovely touch to meats and desserts alike.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Cranberries: These are the star of the sauce, providing a tart flavor. If fresh cranberries are out of season, you can use frozen ones. Just ensure they’re thawed before cooking.
Red Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot gives depth. If you prefer non-alcoholic, substitute with cranberry juice or a mix of grape juice and vinegar for some acidity.
Granulated Sugar: This helps balance the tartness. For a less sweet option, consider using honey or maple syrup, adjusting to taste.
Orange Juice & Zest: Freshly squeezed orange juice brightens the sauce. If oranges aren’t available, lemon juice can work, but it’s more tart. Adjust the sugar accordingly!
Fresh Rosemary: This adds a lovely herbal note. If rosemary isn’t available, thyme could be a nice alternative. Dried herbs could also work, but use less since they’re more concentrated.
How Do I Ensure My Cranberry Sauce is Perfectly Thick?
Thickening the sauce is all about timing and heat. As you cook, the cranberries will burst and release their natural pectin, which helps the sauce thicken. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with medium heat to dissolve the sugar and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce to a simmer. This helps evaporate some liquid slowly, thickening the sauce.
- Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll see the sauce start to gel as it cools.
- If it’s too thin, simmer a bit longer. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or wine to loosen it up.
Remember to let it cool; it will thicken more as it sits!
How to Make Cranberry Red Wine Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 cup red wine (e.g., Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 25-30 minutes of your time. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and another 15-20 minutes cooking the sauce. Plus, a bit of time to cool it before serving. It’s quick and makes for a fantastic addition to your meals!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Base:
In a medium saucepan, mix the red wine, granulated sugar, and freshly squeezed orange juice. Stir everything together over medium heat until the sugar fully dissolves—this should take just a few minutes. It creates a sweet, fruity base for your sauce!
2. Adding Cranberries and Flavorings:
Once the sugar has dissolved, add in the fresh cranberries, orange zest, cinnamon stick, fresh rosemary sprig, grated ginger (if you’re using it), and a pinch of salt. This mix will bring all the flavors together to create a delicious sauce.
3. Cooking the Sauce:
Now, bring your mixture to a gentle boil. Then, reduce the heat to let it simmer. Uncover the saucepan and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally. The cranberries will begin to burst, and the sauce will thicken nicely.
4. Finishing Touches:
Once the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove the saucepan from heat. Discard the cinnamon stick and the whole rosemary sprig—nobody wants to munch on those!
5. Cooling and Serving:
Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature. It will thicken even more as it cools. You can serve this sauce warm or at room temperature. It goes wonderfully with roasted meats, especially turkey and pork, and makes a delightful topping for desserts like cheesecake or vanilla ice cream.
Enjoy this vibrant, rich cranberry sauce with its deep red wine aroma and bright citrus notes!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If fresh cranberries aren’t available, you can use frozen ones. Just make sure to thaw them first, as this helps them cook evenly in the sauce.
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
Yes, you can! If you prefer a less sweet sauce, start with 1/4 cup of sugar and gradually increase to taste. Alternatives like honey or maple syrup can also be used if you want a different flavor profile.
What Should I Do if the Sauce is Too Thin?
If your cranberry sauce isn’t thickening as much as you’d like, let it simmer a little longer until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also mash some of the cranberries with a fork to help thicken it!
How Do I Store Leftover Sauce?
Store any leftover cranberry red wine sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 5 days. To serve again, simply reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
