Delicious & Easy: Red Wine Cranberry Sauce Recipe
The holiday season is the time of year where food takes center stage, and cranberry sauce always has a place on the table. This recipe adds a twist to the classic cranberry sauce with the addition of red wine.
This Cranberry Sauce with Red Wine Recipe elevates the humble red berry to new heights by adding some depth and complexity that only red wine can provide. The combination of fresh or frozen cranberries simmered in dry red wine with cinnamon, allspice, and orange zest creates a rich and flavorful sauce that is perfect for pairing with your holiday meals.
With its vibrant color and sweet yet tangy flavor, your guests will be sure to ask for seconds. So why settle for plain old cranberry sauce when you can impress everyone with this elegant and tasty dish? Give this recipe a try and add it to your holiday menu – you won’t regret it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re on the lookout for an easy yet elegant recipe, look no further than this cranberry sauce with red wine recipe. Packed with incredible flavors, this dish will not only blow your mind but also elevate your holiday meal.
What sets this recipe apart is the combination of sweet and tangy fresh cranberries, a subtle hint of cinnamon and allspice, and the added richness of dry red wine. And the best thing? It takes only a handful of ingredients and requires little time to make.
With its robust and sophisticated flavor profile, this dish is sure to impress even the pickiest of eaters. Plus, it pairs perfectly with savory dishes like roast turkey or chicken, as well as grilled meats like steak. But don’t be afraid to experiment with other pairings too!
If you’re someone who loves experimenting with different flavors, you’ll love this recipe as it allows for endless variations. For example, add some pomegranate molasses for an extra kick or swap out the cinnamon for some nutmeg for a more nuanced taste.
With so much versatility in flavors and pairings, there’s no limit to what you can do with this delicious cranberry sauce recipe. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you later!
Ingredient List
- 1 package fresh or frozen cranberries (12 oz/ 340g)
- 1 cup dry red wine (use the wine you like to drink)
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice (approximately one large orange)
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest (approximately one large orange)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
These are the ingredients you need to make this delicious Cranberry Sauce with Red Wine recipe. You can use either fresh or frozen cranberries, depending on availability. Other main ingredients include dry red wine, water, granulated sugar, brown sugar, freshly squeezed orange juice, grated orange zest, cinnamon stick, and allspice. These ingredients can be found in any regular grocery store making it easy to whip up this recipe with minimal effort.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Prepare the Cranberries
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Ingredients:
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12 ounces (340g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup (225g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (120ml) red wine
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½ cup (120ml) water
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In a medium pot over medium-high heat, combine the cranberries, sugar, red wine, and water. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
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Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for about 10 minutes or until the cranberries become soft and burst open.
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Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 2: Add Flavorings and Simmer
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Ingredients:
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Zest of one medium orange
- Juice of one-half orange
- One cinnamon stick
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One teaspoon of allspice
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Add the orange zest and juice, cinnamon stick, and allspice to the cranberry mixture.
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Bring to a boil over high heat.
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Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for about another 10-15 minutes. Stir frequently.
Step 3: Finish the Cranberry Sauce and Adjust Seasonings
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Remove from heat.
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Discard the cinnamon stick.
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Taste the cranberry sauce and adjust its flavors as needed. If it is too tart, add more sugar (¼-½ cup) or maple syrup. If it is too sweet, add in some more red wine or orange juice.
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Lastly, transfer to a serving container such as a glass jar or bowl.
Your delicious homemade cranberry sauce with red wine is now ready to serve! Enjoy it hot or cold with your favorite dishes!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’d like to switch things up, there are many variations and substitutions you can make to this delicious cranberry sauce recipe. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
– Spice it up: Add a pinch of allspice or a whole cinnamon stick for some extra warmth and depth in flavor.
– Use different types of wine: While the recipe calls for dry red wine, feel free to use your preferred type of red wine for a unique twist. You can also try a combination of red and white wine for added complexity.
– Substitute sweeteners: If you’d like to cut back on refined sugars, replace some or all of the sugar with maple syrup or brown sugar. You may need to adjust the amount based on taste preferences.
– Use frozen cranberries: If fresh cranberries aren’t available, frozen cranberries can be used instead. Simply thaw them before cooking.
– Experiment with other fruit juices: Orange juice is used in this recipe, but you can also try using pomegranate juice or spiced apple cider for a seasonal twist.
– Add dried fruit: Dried cranberries will add an extra burst of flavor and texture to your sauce. You can add them during cooking or sprinkle them on top as a garnish.
– Make it savory: Cranberry sauce doesn’t have to be solely a Thanksgiving condiment; it can be used in savory dishes as well. Try using it as a glaze for steak or as a base for a tangy BBQ sauce.
Don’t be afraid to play around with different ingredients and find what works best for your taste buds. The beauty of homemade cranberry sauce is that it’s versatile and easy to adapt – so get creative and have fun!
Serving and Pairing
Cranberry sauce with red wine is a versatile and delicious condiment that is perfect for serving alongside roasted turkey or chicken. Its sweet and tangy flavor also pairs well with pork or beef roast. When it comes to choosing the right wine to pair with cranberry sauce, we suggest going with a dry red wine. The rich fruit flavors of the wine will complement the sweet and tart notes of the sauce.
If you’re looking for a specific wine to pair, we recommend a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Zinfandel. Both are full-bodied wines that can stand up to the bold flavors of the sauce. If you prefer a lighter red wine, Pinot Noir would be an excellent choice.
For those who prefer white wine, an oaky Chardonnay or a slightly sweet Riesling can provide a nice balance of acidity and sweetness to complement the cranberry sauce.
In addition to serving it with roasted meats, this cranberry sauce can also be used as a topping for cheesecake or vanilla ice cream for a festive dessert. The flavors in the sauce also make it an excellent addition to any charcuterie board.
However you choose to serve it, this cranberry sauce with red wine is sure to impress your guests with its rich and complex flavors.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Cranberry sauce with red wine is a recipe that can be made ahead and stored for several days. Once the sauce has cooled, it can be transferred to an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator for up to five days.
To reheat the sauce, simply transfer it to a small saucepan and warm it over low heat, stirring occasionally until it is heated through. You may need to add 1-2 tablespoons of water or orange juice to thin out the sauce, as it will become quite thick when refrigerated.
If you are making this recipe for a special occasion or holiday celebration, consider making it a few days ahead of time to save yourself some preparation time on the day of the event. Simply store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it.
If you have leftover cranberry sauce, it can also be frozen for up to three months. Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat according to the directions above.
Additionally, if you’re feeling creative and want to try something new, consider using this cranberry sauce with red wine in other recipes. It makes a great topping for pancakes or waffles, adds flavor to oatmeal or yogurt bowls, and can even be used as a glaze for roasted meats such as pork or chicken.
This make-ahead cranberry sauce is a versatile and delicious addition to your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re serving it alongside your favorite holiday dishes or finding new ways to incorporate its tangy sweetness into your meals, this recipe is bound to impress.
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve the perfect outcome while making Cranberry Sauce with Red Wine, I have some helpful tips for you.
1. Use fresh or frozen cranberries to make this sauce. Frozen cranberries work as well as fresh ones, but just make sure they are thoroughly defrosted before using them.
2. Add the red wine to the sauce towards the end of cooking to keep its flavor and aroma intact.
3. Choose a dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, as it adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
4. Use a medium saucepan for making the sauce to avoid burning it over high heat.
5. Keep stirring occasionally while simmering on medium-high heat to prevent clumping and sticking.
6. Taste the sauce frequently while cooking, so you can adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
7. If you want a thicker consistency for your sauce, let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes over low heat before removing from the stove.
8. Always accompany your wine-cranberry sauce with foods that pair well with it, such as roasted vegetables or a grilled steak.
By following these tips, you’ll consistently have an excellent Cranberry Sauce with Red Wine that can become a staple on your holiday menu!
FAQ
Now, let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions about this delicious and easy-to-make cranberry sauce with red wine. I’ve gathered some inquiries from various sources and will gladly answer them to make sure you have all the information you need before getting started. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the FAQ section!
What kind of wine goes with cranberry sauce?
To bring out the bold flavors of tart red berries, it is best to pair them with wines that have a bright acidity and a hint of bitterness or floral notes. Some great choices are Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Barbera, Beaujolais, and red Burgundy. In addition, Rosé Champagnes and sparkling red wines can also be excellent options.
Can you use red wine for sauce?
Did you know that when you incorporate red wine into your sauce with fats like olive oil or butter, it creates a unique reaction? The alcohol in wine dissolves these fats and lets out their distinct flavors that add to the overall taste of the sauce. Remember to give the addition of wine ample time so the alcohol can cook off thoroughly.
What takes the bitterness out of cranberry sauce?
When experiencing bitterness in the flavor of cranberry sauce, avoid using granulated sugar as a quick fix. Opting instead for maple syrup as a sweetener will prove more effective, particularly if there is limited time to properly dissolve the sugar.
What is the thickening agent for cranberry sauce?
If you’re having trouble getting the right consistency for your sauce, there are a couple of tricks you can try. One option is to simmer the sauce for longer, so that more of the liquid evaporates and the mixture becomes thicker. Another solution is to use a thickening agent, such as pectin, gelatin, or a mixture of cornstarch and water, which will help to bind the ingredients together. Once you’ve made these adjustments, be sure to let the sauce cool down before refrigerating it to set completely.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this cranberry sauce with red wine recipe is a must-try for any foodie who loves experimenting with new flavors. With its perfect blend of sweet and tart, the dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests at any occasion. The addition of red wine not only adds depth to the flavor but also brings a sophisticated touch to the dish.
Whether you’re serving it alongside turkey at Thanksgiving, slathering it on top of a juicy steak, or using it as a dip for your favorite appetizers, this cranberry sauce recipe is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of dishes.
So, what are you waiting for? Get into the kitchen and whip up a batch of this delicious wine cranberry sauce today! Your taste buds will thank you, and your guests will be asking for more. Don’t forget to experiment with variations and substitutions to personalize the recipe to your liking.
With this recipe in your back pocket, you’ll have an elegant and flavorful addition to your cooking repertoire that’s sure to impress any palate. So go ahead and indulge in this delectable dish – you won’t regret it!
Cranberry Sauce With Red Wine Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup red wine (cabernet sauvignon works well)
- 3/4 cup orange juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
Instructions
- Place all ingredients except cranberries in saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer 3 min or until sugar is dissolved.
- Add cranberries and simmer 10-12 minute.
- Remove from heat and cool to room temperature, than place in fridge.
- NOTE: sauce will be thin -- it thickens as it cools.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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