Mary Berry Cranberry Relish Recipe

This Mary Berry cranberry relish is a real treat for Christmas dinner and so easy to make! No fussy steps required, just simmer the fresh berries with citrus and port and let the ingredients work their magic to create a tart, glowing accompaniment. Make it once and you’ll never go back to the jarred stuff again! It’s delicious with roast turkey, a thick slice of ham, a hot brie toastie, a cold chicken sandwich; in fact most things.

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Mary Berry Cranberry Relish Recipe Ingredients

• 350g (12 oz) fresh or frozen cranberries
• 150g (5 oz) caster sugar
• Zest and juice of 1 large orange
• 2 tablespoons Port or Ruby Port (optional, for depth)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (optional, for a subtle warmth)

How To Make Mary Berry Cranberry Relish Recipe

1. Prep the berries: Start by washing the cranberries in a colander. Pick through them and discard any that are particularly soft or bruised. If using frozen berries, there is no need to thaw them first.
2. Dissolve the sugar: In a medium heavy-based saucepan, combine the orange juice and the caster sugar. Heat gently over a medium-low flame, stirring occasionally until the sugar has completely dissolved and the liquid is clear.
3. The “Popping” stage: Add the prepared cranberries and the orange zest to the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. As the cranberries heat up, they will begin to “pop”—this is exactly what you want. Reduce the heat and simmer gently for about 5 to 8 minutes.
4. Watch the texture: You want the berries to be tender but not completely broken down into a mush. Some should remain whole to give the relish its characteristic chunky texture.
5. The final flourish: Remove the pan from the heat. If you are using Port or ground ginger, stir them in now. The residual heat will cook off the harshness of the alcohol while leaving the rich, fruity flavor behind.
6. Cool and set: Pour the relish into a clean glass bowl or sterilized jar. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature. The relish will thicken significantly as it cools due to the natural pectin in the cranberries. Once cool, cover and refrigerate until needed.

Recipe Tips

• Orange Zest: Use a fine grater or zester to ensure the orange skin is in tiny pieces. You want the aromatic oils and flavor without having large, chewy strands of peel in the relish.
• Sugar Balance: Cranberries are notoriously tart. If you prefer a sweeter relish, taste it after the berries have popped and stir in an extra tablespoon of sugar while it is still hot.
• Make Ahead: This is the ultimate make-ahead dish. The flavors actually improve after a day or two in the fridge, making it perfect for reducing stress on the big day.
• Port Substitute: If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can simply omit the port or replace it with a splash of cranberry juice or even a little extra orange juice.

What To Serve With Mary Berry Cranberry Relish?

This Mary Berry Cranberry Relish Recipe is a tart, vibrant side that needs a savory or creamy pairing! Roast Turkey with Herb Stuffing is the quintessential choice for a traditional holiday feast. For a balanced lunch, a Melting Baked Brie adds a lovely rich creaminess that pairs perfectly with the acidic berries! A side of Honey-Glazed Carrots or a glass of Chilled Pinot Noir pairs wonderfully with the orange and ginger notes.

How To Store Mary Berry Cranberry Relish

• Refrigerate: Store the relish in an airtight container or a jar in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: This relish freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Canning: If you follow proper sterilization and water-bath canning procedures, this relish can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

Mary Berry Cranberry Relish Recipe Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 65 kcal (per 2-tablespoon serving)
• Total Fat: 0.1 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 2 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Sugar: 14 g
• Protein: 0.2 g
• Fiber: 2 g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients used.

FAQs

Try More Recipes:

• Mary Berry No Churn Ice Cream Recipe
• Mary Berry Honeycomb Ice Cream Recipe
• Mary Berry Lemon And Poppy Seed Cake Recipe