Fresh No-Cook Cranberry Citrus Relish

Fresh No-Cook Cranberry Citrus Relish

Leave the can opener in the drawer this Holiday Season with this Fresh No-Cook Cranberry Citrus Relish recipe.

Cranberry was not one of my favorite flavors growing up as a kid. Then again, the only time I encountered a cranberry was that gelatinous cylinder that was slid out of a can. Growing older I started to develop an appreciation for the tart smack of the hard berry. Along my path as a Chef I was introduced to the concept of a fresh no-cook cranberry citrus relish recipe. I’ve since created this recipe that has become a standard accompaniment at my holiday table.

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To say this recipe has become a standard dish is an understatement. It has, in fact, become a family favorite. Now, working in the restaurant biz didn’t afford me many holidays at home. The last thing I want to do is over complicate things when I am at home cooking. My tastes at home were far simpler. However my wife’s family was one of those “canned cranberry” family’s. To me, the process of cooking and canning just dulls an otherwise glorious tart flavor. I had to introduce the family to the Fresh No-Cook Cranberry Citrus Relish.

Overhead view of white bowl of fresh no-cook cranberry citrus relish with cut lime on right and decorative gords on left with text

How I discovered the relish was becoming a hit was after two Thanksgivings of serving the relish, my Father In Law was asking if I was going to be serving it at Christmas. This was a fist pump moment! Thinking of tradition, my wife insisted that we still serve the obligatory maroon cylinder. OK. If you insist. Fast forward through a few holiday seasons to that moment you know a dish is a family favorite. It was Thanksgiving. In-Laws were over, turkey was cooking, kids were playing and the wife was helping set the table. Check once, twice to make sure the table was set and we had everything in place before calling the crew to the table. OK, we’re good. Get all the way through dinner only to discover the canned sauce was left on the counter, unopened. Dare I say, it was not missed.

Let’s Make It

What you will need is:

  • Fresh Cranberries
  • Oranges
  • Limes
  • Granny Smith Apples
  • Sugar
  • Ginger

fresh cranberries, sliced apple, peeled sliced orange, peeled sliced, lime, zest and fresh ginger in food processor

 

Pop half of the cranberries in the bowl with the blade, cored apple, peeled and sliced citrus plus the zest from the citrus, sugar and hunk of ginger. Depending on the size of your food processor you might need to do this in batches. After a few pulses I was able to fit all the ingredients in my 8 cup Cuisinart.

fresh cranbery citrus relish processed in processor

 

Press pulse a few times. Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl. Pulse until desired consistency is reached. The relish will get deeper red after sitting for a day or two. Keep the relish in a non-reactive container under refrigeration for a week or so. I keep some in the freezer for Dad for Christmas. Enjoy!

Fresh No Cook Cranberry Citrus Relish
Prep Time
15 mins
Total Time
15 mins
 
Leave the can opener in the drawer this Holiday Season with this Fresh No Cook Cranberry Citrus Relish recipe.
Cuisine: American
Servings: 1 Quart
Author: Nate
Ingredients
  • 1 bag Fresh Cranberries
  • 2 each Oranges Peeled and seeded, sliced, plus zest
  • 1 each Lime Peeled and seeded, sliced, plus zest
  • 1 each Granny Smith Apples Cored
  • 1 2/3 cup sugar
  • 1 Tbsp Fresh Ginger Peeled
Instructions
  1. Chop all ingredients in food processor until desired consistency is reached. You may have to do this in batches. Store in the fridge in a non-reactive container. This will keep for a week or two, longer in the freezer.