Introduction
Cranberry sauce is a classic dish that often graces tables during the holiday season. Its tart flavor pairs beautifully with savory dishes, making it a perfect accompaniment to turkey and other festive fare. This easy-to-make Instant Pot cranberry sauce recipe combines fresh cranberries, warm spices, and zesty orange for a deliciously bright finish.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
12 ounces fresh cranberries
1 cinnamon stick
3 tablespoons orange peel
1 cup sugar
1 cup orange juice
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes (including pressure release)
Yield: About 2 cups of cranberry sauce
Using the Instant Pot, this recipe elevates traditional cranberry sauce with minimal effort, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal and less time in the kitchen. Follow the simple instructions to create a delightful homemade cranberry sauce that will impress your guests and enhance your holiday celebrations.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Combine Ingredients
Place the fresh cranberries, cinnamon stick, orange peel, sugar, and orange juice into the inner pot of the Instant Pot. Use a spoon to stir the mixture until all ingredients are well combined.
Seal the Instant Pot
Close the Instant Pot lid securely, ensuring it is locked in place. Turn the pressure valve to the sealing position to prepare for cooking under pressure.
Set Cooking Time
Set the Instant Pot to cook on manual high pressure for a duration of 6 minutes. Make sure to start the cooking process.
Natural Pressure Release
After the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 6 minutes. This means you should not manually release the pressure during this time.
Remove the Lid
Once the 6 minutes of natural pressure release has passed, check that the pressure has fully released and the valve has dropped. Carefully open the lid of the Instant Pot to avoid steam burns.
Finish the Sauce
Remove the cinnamon stick from the cranberry sauce. Stir the sauce to mix the flavors. If desired, use a fork or potato masher to mash the cranberries lightly for a smoother texture.
Chill Before Serving
Transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving dish or container. Refrigerate it for several hours to allow it to chill and set before serving.
Notes
Ingredient Quality
Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor and texture in your sauce.
Adjusting Sweetness
Feel free to adjust the sugar quantity to suit your taste preferences; you may use less sugar for a tangier sauce.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Serving Suggestions
This cranberry sauce pairs beautifully with turkey, chicken, and can also be used as a topping for desserts like cheesecake or yogurt.
Cook techniques
Pressure Cooking
Using the Instant Pot allows for quick cooking under high pressure, which helps to soften the cranberries and infuse flavors from the spices and orange juice efficiently.
Natural Pressure Release
Allowing the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally ensures that the cranberry sauce continues to cook slightly and helps to maintain its texture.
Mashing
Lightly mashing the cooked cranberries helps achieve the desired consistency while leaving some whole berries for texture.
Chilling
Chilling the cranberry sauce for several hours enhances the flavors as they meld together, making for a more delicious final product.
FAQ
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cranberries can be used, but do not thaw them before cooking. Adjust the cooking time as needed since they may release more liquid.
How long does the cranberry sauce last in the refrigerator?
The cranberry sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Can I add other spices to the cranberry sauce?
Absolutely! You can experiment with spices like nutmeg or ginger to customize the flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for canning?
Yes, if you follow proper canning techniques, this cranberry sauce can be canned for longer storage.
Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar to suit your taste, but be mindful that it may affect the sweetness and preservation.
Conclusion
The Instant Pot cranberry sauce is a delightful combination of tart cranberries, sweet orange juice, and warming spices from the cinnamon, making it the perfect accompaniment for your meals. Its quick preparation and unique flavor profile make it a great choice for both everyday meals and special occasions.
Orange Cranberry Muffins
These muffins combine the tartness of cranberries with the zesty flavor of orange peel, making for a delightful breakfast treat.
Cranberry Orange Smoothie
Blend cranberry sauce with yogurt and a splash of orange juice for a refreshing and nutritious smoothie that’s perfect any time of the day.
Cranberry Glazed Chicken
Use the cranberry sauce as a glaze for chicken breasts, combining the sweetness with pan-seared chicken for a delicious and simple dinner option.
Cranberry Pineapple Salsa
Mix cranberry sauce with diced pineapple, red onion, and cilantro for a unique salsa that pairs wonderfully with grilled fish or pork.
Orange Cranberry Salad
Toss some spinach or mixed greens with cranberry sauce, orange slices, nuts, and goat cheese for a vibrant and flavorful salad.
Cranberry Orange Sauce for Desserts
Use the sauce as a topping for cheesecake, vanilla ice cream, or pancakes for a festive dessert addition.
