Introduction
Cranberry sauce is a timeless addition to many holiday meals, offering both sweetness and tartness that perfectly complements a variety of dishes. This Instant Pot version is quick and easy to prepare, making it a favorite for festive gatherings. The combination of fresh cranberries, zesty orange, and warming cinnamon creates a delightful sauce that will elevate your culinary offerings.
Ingredients
12 ounces fresh cranberries
1 cinnamon stick
3 tablespoons orange peel
1 cup sugar
1 cup orange juice
Prep Time
Preparing this cranberry sauce is straightforward and requires minimal effort, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your occasion.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes (including prep and natural pressure release)
Yield: Suitable for serving 6 to 8 people
Enjoy this delicious and simple cranberry sauce, perfect for your holiday table or any occasion where you want to add a touch of festivity.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Wash the fresh cranberries under cold water and drain. In the inner pot of the Instant Pot, add the cranberries, cinnamon stick, orange peel, sugar, and orange juice. Stir the ingredients gently until they are well mixed.
Step 2: Prepare the Instant Pot
Close the lid of the Instant Pot securely. Ensure that the pressure valve is set to the “seal” position to prevent steam from escaping during cooking.
Step 3: Set Cooking Time
Select the manual high-pressure setting on the Instant Pot and set the timer for 6 minutes.
Step 4: Natural Pressure Release
Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 6 minutes. This means you do not need to touch the pressure valve; let the pressure decrease on its own.
Step 5: Open the Instant Pot
After the 6 minutes of natural release, check the pressure valve to ensure all pressure has been released. Once the valve has dropped, carefully open the lid of the Instant Pot, avoiding hot steam.
Step 6: Final Touches
Remove the cinnamon stick from the mixture. Use a fork or potato masher to mash the mixture lightly, allowing some whole cranberries to remain for texture.
Step 7: Chill Before Serving
Transfer the cranberry mixture to a serving bowl or a storage container. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for several hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
This cranberry dish works well as a side dish with holiday meals or as a topping for desserts like cheesecake and ice cream.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The flavors may continue to develop over time.
Substitutions
If fresh cranberries are not available, you can use frozen cranberries. There’s no need to thaw; just add them directly to the pot. Adjust the sugar to your taste as frozen cranberries may be a bit sweeter.
Variations
Feel free to add chopped nuts or a splash of vanilla extract for additional flavor if desired.
Cook techniques
Pressure Cooking
Pressure cooking is an efficient technique that allows for quick cooking while retaining flavors and nutrients. In this recipe, the Instant Pot is used to cook cranberries under high pressure for just 6 minutes, resulting in a beautifully thickened sauce.
Natural Pressure Release
After cooking, allowing the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 6 minutes helps to further soften the cranberries and meld the flavors together. This technique prevents splattering and ensures a smoother consistency.
Mashing
Lightly mashing the cranberry mixture after cooking helps break down the fruit, creating a more desirable texture for the sauce. This step enhances the overall mouthfeel while maintaining some whole cranberry pieces for visual appeal.
Chilling
Chilling the sauce for several hours before serving allows the flavors to deepen and develop. This technique is essential for achieving the best taste and texture, making the sauce the perfect accompaniment to various dishes.
FAQ
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. However, you may want to adjust the cooking time slightly, as they might take a bit longer to come to pressure.
How long can I store the cranberry sauce?
The cranberry sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Can I add other spices or ingredients?
Yes, you can customize the flavor by adding spices like nutmeg or ginger, or even incorporating chopped fruits such as apples or pears for added sweetness.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Absolutely! All the ingredients in this recipe are vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for vegetarian and vegan diets.
What can I serve with cranberry sauce?
Cranberry sauce pairs wonderfully with turkey, ham, or as a topping for desserts like cheesecake and ice cream. It can also be used in sandwiches for an added flavor boost.
Conclusion
This cranberry-orange sauce combines sweet and tart flavors, enhanced by warm notes of cinnamon. Perfect as a holiday side or a versatile condiment, it embodies the essence of seasonal ingredients, bringing vibrant color and taste to any table.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Cranberry Orange Muffins
Combine fresh cranberries and orange zest into your favorite muffin batter for a delightful breakfast treat.
Cranberry Salsa
Mix chopped cranberries with diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and cilantro for a refreshing twist on traditional salsa.
Cranberry Smoothie
Blend cranberries with orange juice, yogurt, and a banana for a nutritious and energizing smoothie.
Cranberry Glazed Chicken
Use the cranberry mixture as a glaze for baked or grilled chicken to add a sweet and tangy flavor profile.
Cranberry Chutney
Enhance a savory dish by making a chutney with cranberries, orange juice, garlic, and ginger for a delicious topping.
Cranberry Jam
Cook cranberries with sugar and orange juice to make a homemade jam that is perfect for spreading on toast or biscuits.
