Delia Smith Cranberry Sauce Recipe

A bowl of ruby-red cranberry sauce is always welcome at the Christmas table, but when it’s Delia Smith’s Cranberry Sauce with Port, it’s the guest of honour. Use our simple simmering method to ensure the exact balance of tartness and sweetness for your turkey.

Delia Smith Cranberry Sauce Recipe Ingredients

• The Fruit:
  • 450g (1 lb) fresh or frozen cranberries
• The Liquid & Zest:
  • 75ml (3 fl oz) port (ruby port is best)
  • 75ml (3 fl oz) orange juice
  • Zest of 1 small orange, finely grated
• The Sweetener:
  • 110g (4 oz) caster sugar
• The Spice:
  • A pinch of ground cinnamon
  • A pinch of ground cloves
  • A pinch of ground ginger (or 1/2 tsp fresh grated ginger)

How To Make Delia Smith Cranberry Sauce Recipe

1. Combine ingredients: Place the sugar, port, and orange juice in a saucepan. Whisk gently over low heat until the sugar has completely dissolved.
2. Add fruit: Stir in the fresh (or frozen) cranberries, the grated orange zest, and the spices (cinnamon, cloves, ginger).
3. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. You will hear the cranberries popping as they cook—this is normal!
4. Cook down: Continue to simmer gently for about 10–15 minutes. The sauce is ready when all the berries have popped and the liquid has reduced to a thick, jammy consistency.
5. Cool: Remove from the heat. Pour the sauce into a serving dish or sterilised jar. It will thicken further as it cools.
6. Serve: Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.

Recipe Tips!

• The Pop: Don’t take it off the heat until the berries have popped. If they are still whole, the sauce will be tart and watery inside the fruit. The pectin released from the skins is what thickens the sauce.
• Port Power: The port adds a depth and richness that water or just orange juice lacks. If you don’t have port, a fruity red wine or even a splash of sherry works well.
• Make Ahead: Cranberry sauce is actually better made a few days in advance! The spices have time to meld, and the pectin sets firmly. It keeps in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• Frozen Berries: You can use frozen cranberries straight from the bag—no need to defrost! Just add a minute or two to the cooking time.

What To Serve With Delia Smith Cranberry Sauce Recipe?

This Delia Smith Cranberry Sauce Recipe is the undisputed queen of Christmas! It is mandatory alongside Roast Turkey or a Goose. But don’t stop there—it pairs beautifully with a Brie and Bacon Sandwich or a slice of Game Pie! For a dessert twist, swirl a spoonful into Greek Yogurt or top a plain Cheesecake for a festive touch.

How To Store Delia Smith Cranberry Sauce Recipe

• Refrigerate: Store in a covered container or jar in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• Freeze: This freezes brilliantly. Put it in a plastic container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Delia Smith Cranberry Sauce Recipe Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 45 kcal
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Protein: 0g

Nutrition information is estimated per tablespoon.

FAQs

Try More Recipes:

• Delia Smith Béchamel Sauce Recipe
• Delia Smith Béarnaise Sauce Recipe
• Delia Smith White Sauce​ Lasagne Recipe