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+ servings
Cooked cranberry sauce in a neutral bowl, topped with pomegranate seeds and orange zest.
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5 from 3 votes

Cranberry Sauce Recipe with Orange and Pomegranate

This lightly spiced cranberry sauce recipe with orange and pomegranate hits just the spot with its sweet and sour flavor and delicious aroma.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: condiment, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Keyword: cranberry sauce, holiday recipes, thanksgiving sides
Servings: 16 tablespoons
Calories: 84kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cranberries (see notes)
  • ½ cup water
  • ½ cup apple cider (see notes)
  • 2 cuties (juiced)
  • 1 ½ tsp cutie zest
  • 1 ¼ cups sugar (see notes)
  • pinch salt (see notes)
  • 1 cup pomegranate seeds
  • ½ tsp allspice (see notes)

Instructions

  • Zest and juice the cuties. (see notes)
  • Deseed the pomegranate. (see notes)
  • Mix the cranberries, water, apple cider, juice from the cuties, sugar, one teaspoon zest, allspice, and salt in a pot and cook till the mixture reaches a boil.
  • Once you see foam on the surface reduce the heat to a simmer.
  • Simmer till the berries start popping. (about 10 minutes)
  • Stir and add all but two tablespoons of the pomegranate seeds and cook another 5 minutes till the mixture starts to turn glossy.
  • Once the mixture coats your spoon, your cranberry sauce is ready.
  • Once the sauce cools, garnish it with the two tablespoons of reserved pomegranate seeds and the ½ teaspoon of the zest and serve.

Notes

Cranberries - Fresh or frozen cranberries can be used for this recipe. If you're using frozen, you don't need to defrost them; you can add them directly to the pot.
Apple Cider - This adds a little depth of flavor, so I like to add it to my sauce. If you don't have it, use water and adjust the sugar as needed.
Sugar - I like to use regular sugar, but depending on your dietary needs and preferences, you can substitute it with honey, monk fruit sweetener, or maple syrup.
Salt - A pinch of salt helps balance out the other flavors.
Allspice - This has notes of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, adding flavor and holiday aroma to the sauce. 
Cuties - I use cuties as they're seedless, making it easier to juice them.
Pomegranate - Feel free to use storebought pomegranate seeds to save time.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 84kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.02g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 61mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 84IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 0.1mg