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Best Homemade Cranberry Orange Sauce with Rosemary Recipe

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This cranberry orange sauce with rosemary is the unexpected star of the holiday table, combining tart cranberries, bright orange, and earthy rosemary for a savory-sweet depth that will have guests going back for thirds. Quick and easy to make in under 25 minutes, it’s perfect for impressing without stress.

Ingredients

  • Fresh cranberries, 12 ounces (340g)
  • Granulated sugar, 1 cup (200g)
  • Fresh orange juice, 1/2 cup (120ml)
  • Orange zest, 2 tablespoons
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs, 2 large (about 6 inches each)
  • Water, 1/4 cup (60ml)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare your ingredients first. Rinse the cranberries and pick out any that are soft or bruised. Zest both oranges before you juice them. Juice the oranges and measure out 1/2 cup of juice.
  2. Combine sugar, orange juice, and water in the saucepan. Place the pan over medium heat and stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add the cranberries and rosemary sprigs. Toss in the whole bag of cranberries and both rosemary sprigs. Give everything a gentle stir.
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let the mixture come to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to medium-low. Set a timer for 10 minutes.
  5. Stir occasionally and listen for the pops. Give the sauce a stir every 2-3 minutes. Around the 8-minute mark, most of the cranberries should have burst.
  6. Test for doneness. After 10 minutes, the sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it’s still too runny, let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat and fish out the rosemary sprigs using tongs or a fork. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
  8. Stir in the orange zest. Add the 2 tablespoons of orange zest and stir to combine.
  9. Cool the sauce completely. Transfer to a serving bowl or heat-safe container. Let it cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate.

Notes

Fresh rosemary is non-negotiable; dried rosemary can result in a piney, medicinal flavor. Add orange zest at the end to keep the flavor bright. The sauce thickens significantly as it cools, so don’t judge thickness while hot. Make ahead for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry sauce, orange cranberry sauce, rosemary cranberry sauce, homemade cranberry sauce, holiday side dish, Thanksgiving cranberry sauce

Find it online: https://goldensimmer.com/best-homemade-cranberry-orange-sauce-with-rosemary-recipe/