Description
Grandma’s Cranberry Relish is a classic, old-fashioned recipe featuring fresh cranberries, navel orange, and crisp Granny Smith apple. This easy-to-make, no-cook relish is slightly sweetened and gently spiced with cinnamon, perfect for holiday meals or as a vibrant side dish that brings bright, tangy flavors and refreshing texture.
Ingredients
Fruits
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries (washed, with any soft or bad cranberries removed)
- 1 small navel orange (washed and unpeeled, cut into 1 inch chunks; about 1 heaping cup)
- 1 Granny Smith apple (washed, unpeeled, cored, and cut into quarters)
Others
- 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Chop the Cranberries: Add the cranberries to a food processor and pulse about 20 times until coarsely chopped. Aim for a texture that is chunky but not too smooth. Transfer the chopped cranberries to a medium mixing bowl.
- Chop the Orange: Place the orange chunks into the food processor and pulse 20–30 times until finely chopped. The mixture should be mushy but still have small pieces of peel. Add the chopped orange to the mixing bowl with the cranberries.
- Chop the Apple: Add the apple quarters to the food processor and pulse 20–30 times, scraping down the sides halfway to ensure even chopping. The result should be finely chopped apples. Transfer the chopped apple to the mixing bowl.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon (if using) to the mixing bowl with all the chopped fruit. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Refrigerate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. The relish can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 3 days before serving.
Notes
- The ground cinnamon is optional but adds a warm, subtle spice that complements the tart fruit flavors.
- Do not over-pulse the fruit in the processor to avoid a puree-like texture; you want some chunkiness for texture.
- Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor and texture; frozen cranberries may release too much liquid.
- This relish is a no-cook recipe, making it quick and easy to prepare ahead of events.
- Store the relish in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
