Forget everything you know about boring, store-bought cranberry sauces! This Easy Cranberry Pomegranate Sauce is about to revolutionize your holiday table and transform your taste buds. Imagine a vibrant, jewel-toned condiment that's bursting with tangy-sweet flavor, so delicious that it'll make your guests wonder if you've secretly trained as a professional chef. With just a few simple ingredients and 20 minutes of your time, you'll create a show-stopping sauce that's guaranteed to become the star of any meal.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 1 bag (12 ounces) fresh cranberries
- 1 cup pomegranate juice
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the fresh cranberries under cool water and carefully remove any stems or damaged berries.
- In a medium saucepan, combine fresh cranberries, pomegranate juice, and sugar. Stir ingredients together to ensure even distribution.
- Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and allow the cranberries to simmer, continuing to stir periodically. The cranberries will begin to burst and create a natural thickening effect.
- Cook for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until the sauce reaches a jam-like consistency and most cranberries have broken down.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, which will enhance the depth of flavor.
- Let the sauce cool for 10-15 minutes at room temperature. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Optional: Gently fold in fresh pomegranate seeds just before serving for added texture and burst of flavor.
- Transfer to a serving bowl or storage container. The sauce can be served warm or chilled.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Cranberries: Always select plump, firm cranberries with a deep red color for the best flavor and texture.
- Watch the Heat: Maintain a gentle simmer rather than a rapid boil to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Stir Consistently: Regular stirring prevents the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan and ensures even sugar distribution.
- Test Consistency: The sauce is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and has a jam-like thickness.
- Cool Completely: Let the sauce cool at room temperature to allow natural thickening and flavor development.
- Make Ahead: This sauce can be prepared up to 5 days in advance, making it perfect for holiday meal planning.
- Customize: Experiment with adding orange zest or a splash of Grand Marnier for an extra flavor dimension.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 80kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
