Cranberry Sauce with Dried Cherries
Cranberry Sauce with Dried Cherries is a sweet-tart holiday side dish combining fresh cranberries and dried cherries. Simmered with sugar and often orange juice or zest, it offers rich flavor and texture, enhancing roasted meats like turkey. It's a festive, fruity twist on classic cranberry sauce.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Zester or fine grater
- Serving bowl or an airtight container
Ingredients
- 12 oz 1 bag fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup dried cherries
- ½ cup granulated sugar adjust to taste
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh cilantro or parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, dried cherries, sugar, water, and orange juice. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in orange zest, red pepper flakes, cinnamon, cumin, and a pinch of salt.
- Let the mixture simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and sauce thickens.
- For a smoother consistency, transfer the mixture to a blender. Blend until you reach your desired texture.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley. Serve warm or chilled.