Homemade Cranberry Sauce Without Orange Juice Recipe

If you’re more of a fan of fresh cranberry relish rather than the jellied kind that holds the shape of the can, it can be frustrating when seemingly every recipe for the stuff calls for either orange juice, orange zest or both – especially if, for whatever reason, you would like to make cranberry sauce without orange juice.

There is no denying that cranberry and orange go very well together – the citrus flavour really cuts the bitterness of these astringent berries.

However, I have developed a fantastic cranberry sauce recipe that is absolutely delicious and complex. In fact, I think it can even turn those who are cranberry-ambivalent into cranberry enthusiasts!

Regardless of whether it’s Thanksgiving morning, the shops are all closed and you’ve forgotten to buy an orange or if you (or one of your guests) needs to avoid citrus (see also my hollandaise without lemon!), then this homemade cranberry sauce recipe without orange juice (or zest!) is for you! And don’t forget to pair your cranberries with some delicious gravy (no pan drippings required!)

How to Make Cranberry Sauce Without Orange Juice

This fresh cranberry sauce without orange juice is super easy to make and comes together in about twenty minutes. It’s also the ultimate make-ahead dish as it will last in the fridge for at least a week (if not more).

Start by adding your fresh cranberries to a small saucepan. To the cranberries add some white sugar and a couple of tablespoons of dark brown sugar, as well. The brown sugar adds a bit more complexity to the cranberry sauce than simply using white sugar.

To the pot, I also like to throw in a few whole spices in order to amp up the flavour of this sauce. I like to add a cinnamon stick, some cardamom pods and star anise. And to further add to the flavour, throw in a good-sized piece of fresh ginger, as well.

Next, pour over a bit of tawny port. This, again, adds to the flavour of the sauce and really highlights the fruitiness of the cranberries. If you don’t have port on hand, use a full-bodied red wine like a merlot or a shiraz – it won’t have the same flavour, however, it will add the same qualities.

If you’re looking to make cranberry sauce without alcohol, you can substitute this with 100% pomegranate juice or cherry juice – both will be delicious in this sauce.

Now, all you need to do is add a bit of water to the pot. Set it over medium heat and bring it to a simmer.

Allow the cranberry sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes, during which time you will notice the cranberries begin to burst and start to break down. Stir occasionally to ensure that nothing is sticking to the bottom of the pot.

After another 5 or 10 minutes, the cranberries will have all burst and completely broken down. The sauce will thicken and turn to a jam-like consistency.

Once it reaches this stage, remove the cinnamon, cardamom, anise and ginger. Transfer the cranberries to a heatproof bowl and allow to cool completely before either serving or refrigerating. And if you’re looking for another great side for Thanksgiving, check out my recipe for green beans & mushrooms with crispy shallots!

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Cranberry Sauce Without Orange Juice

Yield: 6 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

This flavourful cranberry sauce doesn't use oranges or any citrus products!

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Ingredients

• 225g (8oz) fresh cranberries
• 65g (1/3 cup) white sugar
• 25g (2 tablespoons) dark brown sugar, packed
• 60ml (1/4 cup) tawny port or full-bodied red wine (see note)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3-5 cardamom pods
• 1 star anise
• 2cm piece fresh ginger

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, add cranberries, both sugars, port, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, star anise and ginger. Pour over 60ml (1/4 cup) water, stir to combine and set over medium heat.
2. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and begin to break down, about ten minutes. Cook for a further five minutes to allow the excess liquid to evaporate and the sauce to thicken.
3. Remove the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, anise and ginger. Transfer to a heatproof dish and allow to cool completely before serving.

Notes

If you don't have port, a full-bodied red wine like a shiraz or merlot will work well here. For those who don't want to use alcohol, sub this with 100% pomegranate juice or cherry juice.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 100Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 65mgCarbohydrates: 21gFiber: 2gSugar: 16gProtein: 0g

Nutritional information is automatically generated and provided as guidance only. Accuracy is not guaranteed.

You can make an incredible cranberry sauce without using any orange juice or zest. In fact, this may well be the best cranberry sauce without any citrus you can find!

Do you want to make homemade cranberry sauce without orange? Have any questions about this recipe? Let us know in the comments!

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