Description
Lemon Kissed Cranberries is a vibrant and tangy cranberry sauce made with fresh cranberries, sugar, lemon juice, and zest. This easy stovetop recipe creates a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, making it an ideal holiday side dish or a delightful topping for yogurt and oatmeal.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the cranberries: Rinse the cranberries thoroughly under cold water and discard any that are soft or bruised to ensure only fresh berries are used.
- Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the water, sugar, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously until the sugar completely dissolves to create a smooth syrup base.
- Add the cranberries: Add the fresh cranberries to the saucepan and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the cranberries begin to pop and the mixture thickens slightly, releasing a delicious tart flavor.
- Cool and refrigerate: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the cranberry mixture cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer to a container and refrigerate until ready to serve for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a smoother sauce texture, mash the cranberries slightly with a spoon or blend briefly using a hand blender.
- This cranberry sauce pairs wonderfully as a chilled side dish with turkey or ham during holiday meals.
- It also serves as a delicious topping for breakfast items like yogurt and oatmeal, adding a burst of citrusy tartness.
