Cranberry BBQ Sauce
Cranberry BBQ Sauce is a delightful fusion of tart cranberries and savory barbecue flavors. This sauce combines the fruity tang of cranberries with the smoky, spicy, and sweet elements typical of traditional BBQ sauces. The blend of ingredients creates a versatile condiment that is both zesty and rich, making it a standout addition to any meal.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Immersion blender (or regular blender)
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the cranberries, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, water, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, ground ginger, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to the saucepan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to help the cranberries break down.
- Once the cranberries are soft and the sauce has thickened, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. If you don't have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the mixture to a regular blender in batches. Season with salt to taste.
Notes
While fresh cranberries are ideal for this recipe, you can also use dried cranberries. If using dried, soak them in warm water for about 10-15 minutes to rehydrate before cooking.