Dried Cranberry Sauce – A delicious variation of the classic cranberry sauce, made by cooking dried cranberries with orange and cranberry juice. It is thick, rich, and perfect for holiday meals like Thanksgiving and Christmas!

What is dried cranberry sauce?

Dried cranberry sauce is a variation of traditional cranberry sauce made with dried cranberries. Typically, fresh or frozen cranberries are used to make the sauce., but this version is a wonderful variation when fresh cranberries are not available. The cranberries are rehydrated in the cranberry juice and orange juice during the cooking process, which makes it thick, rich, and delicious with a deep cranberry flavor. It is a perfect side dish or condiment for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.

Ingredients & Substitutions:

Dried Cranberries – Also known as craisins. Use a good quality dry cranberries for the best results.

Cranberry Juice – Enhances the cranberry flavor. It can be replaced with orange juice or water.

Orange Juice – Adds sweetness and citrus flavor.

Sugar – It can also be substituted with brown sugar or coconut sugar.

Corn Flour – It is also known as cornstarch, helps to thicken the sauce. Arrowroot powder, tapioca starch can be used for a similar result.

Orange Zest – Adds a citrusy aroma. It can be replaced with lemon or lime zest.

Cinnamon Stick – Adds warmth and festive touch. You can also use ground cinnamon.

Salt

Serving suggestions:

Serve along with Thanksgiving main course, or roasted vegetables.

Serve with pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, french toast, and yogurt as a delicious breakfast.

Can also be used a filling for pastries, turnovers, or hand pies.

Storage suggestions:

Store the sauce in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. If you want to store it for longer period of time, freeze it for up to 3 months.

Tips & Notes:

The sauce will thicken more as it cools. If you feel it is too thick, thin it out by adding a splash of cranberry juice or orange juice.

If you prefer a less tangy sauce, reduce the quantity of cranberry juice and replace it with water or orange juice. Adjust the sugar as per your taste preference.

Blend some of the sauce using a blender for smoother consistency.

Feel free to experiment with different spices like cloves and ginger.

Step by step instructions:

In a saucepan, combine, dried cranberries, juices, orange zest, cinnamon stick, salt, and sugar.

Mix well and bring it to a boil.

Cook on a medium flame for about 10 minutes or until the berries plump up.

Mix corn flour/cornstarch with ¼th cup of water without any lumps.

Add the slurry to the cooked cranberry mixture.

Mix well and let it cook for another minute until it thickens and becomes glossy.

Remove it heat and discard the cinnamon stick. Mash or blend the sauce to get the desired consistency if needed.

Dried Cranberry Sauce