Raw Cranberry Relish

A Festive Favorite: Raw Cranberry Relish Recipe for the Holidays

Today, I’m sharing a recipe that holds a special place in my heart: raw cranberry relish. This recipe was gifted to me by a dear friend over 20 years ago, and it’s become a staple on our holiday table ever since.

Unlike the jellied cranberry sauce you might find canned, this raw cranberry relish is fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a roast turkey on Thanksgiving or Christmas, adding a touch of tartness and sweetness to every bite.

But before we jump into the recipe, let’s talk about the star ingredient: cranberries. These tiny red jewels are not only delicious but also packed with powerful antioxidants. Studies have shown that cranberries may offer health benefits in fighting against certain cancers and heart disease.

Now, onto the recipe! This raw cranberry relish is incredibly easy to make and comes together in just a few minutes. However, it’s important to make it a few days in advance to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. This freezes well too, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the holiday season.

Raw Cranberry Relish Recipe: A Burst of Flavor

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups raw cranberries
  • 1 cup roughly chopped onion
  • 3/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
  • 1/2 cup superfine sugar

Instructions:

  1. In a food processor, pulse the cranberries and onions together a few times until the cranberries are coarsely chopped. You don’t want to completely pulverize them – you want some texture!
  2. Push down the mixture with a rubber spatula as needed to ensure even chopping.
  3. Add the remaining ingredients – sour cream, horseradish, and sugar – to the food processor.
  4. Pulse a few more times to combine everything evenly.
  5. Taste and adjust the sweetness and tartness to your liking. You can add a little more sugar if you prefer a sweeter relish, or add a squeeze of fresh orange juice for a brighter flavor.
  6. Transfer the relish to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 24 hours, or up to 3 days, to allow the flavors to develop.

🎬 Watch How to Make This Recipe

Want to see this recipe come to life? Check out this video where I walk you through the entire process, step-by-step!

Beyond the Recipe: Serving Suggestions and Variations

This raw cranberry relish is the perfect companion to a roast turkey. But its versatility goes beyond the holidays! Here are some ideas for serving it throughout the year:

  • Spoon it over roasted chicken or duck for a flavorful and festive touch.
  • Serve it as a condiment on sandwiches or wraps for a burst of sweet and tart flavor.
  • Pair it with cheese and crackers for a delightful appetizer.

Feeling adventurous? Try these variations on this classic recipe:

  • Add a touch of chopped apple or orange for extra sweetness and texture.
  • Substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.

No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this raw cranberry relish recipe is sure to become a favorite. So, gather your ingredients, give it a try, and experience the refreshing and flavorful taste of this festive holiday treat! And if you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment below.

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Raw Cranberry Relish

Recipe by Jason Hill – CookingSessions.com
Chef Jason Hill shares his favorite raw cranberry relish recipe in this episode of "Chef Tips."
Unlike the cooked and jellied goop that you find in the can, this cranberry relish is fresh and crunchy — with a bit of spice from the horseradish. 
Cranberries are an incredible anti-oxidant with properties that fight against cancer and heart disease. This cranberry relish is absolutely delicious served over roasted turkey, but you can easily use it with your roast chicken during the year. 
No ratings yet
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups raw cranberries
  • 1 cup roughly chopped onion
  • 3/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
  • 1/2 cup superfine sugar

Instructions
 

  • In a food processor, pulse the onions and cranberries together, pushing down with a rubber spatula as needed.
  • Next add in the rest of the ingredients and stir to combine.
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Notes

This recipe freezes well and should be made a few days in advance for the flavors to meld. Serve over roast holiday turkey. Enjoy!
Keyword cranberries, holidays, thanksgiving, turkey
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AboutJason Hill

Hi, I’m Jason Hill, host of YouTube’s “Chef Tips” series. I graduated from culinary school in 1998, and gained my experience working the lines in Southern California. I launched my cooking videos in 2007. I love sharing quick and easy recipes that get people back in the kitchen.

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