This festive cranberry pomegranate sauce is the star of your holiday table! It combines tart cranberries with sweet pomegranate juice, making it a tasty and colorful treat.
I love how easy it is to whip up—just simmer, stir, and it’s done! Plus, it adds a pop of flavor to turkey or peanut butter sandwiches. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are ideal for this sauce because they provide a natural tartness. If you can’t find fresh, frozen cranberries work well too. Just make sure to rinse them before use to ensure they are clean!
Pomegranate Juice: Unsweetened pomegranate juice is perfect for balancing the tartness of cranberries. If you don’t have any, cranberry juice can be a good substitute, but be cautious as it’s usually sweeter.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the sauce beautifully. For a healthier option, try honey or maple syrup, but adjust the amount to taste since they can be sweeter.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the overall flavor. If you’re out, bottled lemon juice will work, but fresh is always better for taste.
Cinnamon Stick: This is an optional ingredient for added warmth. If you prefer, you can substitute ground cinnamon—about a half a teaspoon should do the trick.
How Do I Ensure My Sauce Is the Right Consistency?
Getting the sauce just right is easier than you might think! The key is simmering. Here’s how to nail that perfect texture:
- Start by boiling your mixture to help the cranberries pop open quickly—this releases their juices.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently. Stir often to prevent sticking at the bottom.
- Simmer until most cranberries are burst; this typically takes about 10-15 minutes. The sauce will thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit runny at first.
Keep an eye on it while it cooks and trust your taste buds. If it’s too tart, feel free to add a bit more sugar!
Cranberry Pomegranate Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup pomegranate juice (unsweetened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 small cinnamon stick (optional)
- Fresh thyme sprig for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cranberry pomegranate sauce takes about 5-10 minutes to prepare and an additional 10-15 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at around 25 minutes, including cooling time. It’s quick, easy, and a perfect way to add some festive flair to your meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Ingredients:
Start by taking a medium saucepan and combine the fresh or frozen cranberries, pomegranate juice, granulated sugar, and fresh lemon juice. Stir everything together to mix it well. This is where the magic begins!
2. Bring to a Boil:
Add the cinnamon stick if you’re using it. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Keep an eye on it as it heats up; the cranberries will start to pop and release their juices. It’s a fun sight!
3. Simmer the Sauce:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer. Remember to stir occasionally! You’ll want to cook it until most of the cranberries have burst, and the sauce has thickened slightly—this usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
4. Finish Off:
After the sauce thickens, remove it from the heat and carefully discard the cinnamon stick. Let the sauce cool at room temperature; it will continue to thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit loose at first.
5. Serve & Enjoy:
Transfer the cooled sauce to a lovely serving bowl. If you like, garnish it with a fresh thyme sprig for that extra touch. You can serve this sauce either chilled or at room temperature, and it’s a fantastic addition to your holiday dishes!
Enjoy your homemade cranberry pomegranate sauce!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly in this sauce. Just be sure to rinse them under cold water before using to remove any ice crystals. You can use them directly without thawing!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cranberry pomegranate sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to one week. If you’d like to freeze it, pour it into a freezer-safe container and it will last for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
Yes! Feel free to adjust the sugar to suit your taste. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a bit more sugar during cooking, tasting as you go. If you want it less sweet, you can reduce the sugar to your liking—just be mindful that it may slightly alter the texture.
What Can I Serve This Sauce With?
This cranberry pomegranate sauce is versatile and pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, or roasted chicken. It’s also delicious on desserts like cheesecake or yogurt, or even spread on sandwiches. Get creative!