Delia Smith​ Cranberry Relish Recipe

This zesty Delia Smith Cranberry Relish is made with fresh cranberries, bright orange zest, warming ginger, caster sugar, and a splash of rich port. The result is a tangy, spiced condiment that adds a vibrant burst of flavor to your holiday meal. It is the perfect festive side dish for a traditional Christmas dinner and makes enough to serve a large gathering.

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Delia Smith Cranberry Relish Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) fresh cranberries
• 1 large orange (rind and juice)
• 1 heaped teaspoon freshly grated root ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
• 3 oz (75 g) caster sugar
• 1 1/2 inch (4 cm) cinnamon stick
• 4 whole cloves
• 2-3 tablespoons port

How To Make Delia Smith Cranberry Relish

1. Chop the cranberries: Place the cranberries in a food processor and pulse until they are chopped. Alternatively, you can press them through the fine blade of a mincer. Place the chopped fruit into a saucepan.
2. Prepare the orange: Using a vegetable peeler, peel off the colored part of the orange rind. Cut these strips into very fine shreds. Squeeze the juice from the orange.
3. Simmer the mixture: Add the shredded orange rind, orange juice, ginger, sugar, cinnamon stick, and cloves to the saucepan with the cranberries. Bring the mixture to a simmering point. Stir well, cover the pan with a lid, and let it simmer very gently for about 5 minutes.
4. Add the port: Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the port immediately.
5. Cool and serve: Allow the relish to cool completely, then pour it into a serving dish. Cover with plastic wrap and keep it in a cool place (or the refrigerator) until needed. Important: Remember to remove the cloves and cinnamon stick before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Watch the Texture: When using a food processor, use short pulses. You want the cranberries to be chopped into small pieces, not turned into a smooth puree or juice.
• Make It Ahead: This relish tastes even better after sitting for a day or two. The flavors of the ginger, cinnamon, and port have more time to meld together.
• Alcohol Substitution: If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute the port with an equal amount of cranberry juice or extra orange juice, though the port adds a distinct richness.
• Removing the Spices: Count the cloves before you put them in (the recipe calls for 4). This makes it much easier to ensure you have removed all of them before serving so no one bites into a whole spice.

What To Serve Cranberry Relish

This relish is the classic accompaniment for roast turkey, making it essential for Christmas or Thanksgiving dinner. However, it pairs beautifully with other roasted meats like glazed ham, roast chicken, or even roast pork. For a delicious appetizer, serve a spoonful of this relish over a block of cream cheese or warm brie with crackers. It is also excellent in leftover turkey sandwiches the next day.

How To Store Cranberry Relish Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store the cooled relish in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 1 week.
• Freeze: Transfer the cooled relish to a plastic freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Delia Smith Cranberry Relish Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
• Calories: 45 kcal
• Total Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 1mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 11g
• Dietary Fiber: 1.5g
• Sugars: 8g
• Protein: 0g

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use frozen cranberries? Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. You do not need to thaw them before chopping, but they might require an extra minute or two of simmering to reach the right consistency.
• Is this relish supposed to be served hot or cold? This cranberry relish is traditionally served cold or at room temperature. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to settle.
• Can I use ground ginger instead of fresh? Yes. The recipe lists 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger as a substitute. However, fresh ginger will provide a sharper, brighter “zing” to the final dish.

Try More Recipes:

• Delia Smith Chestnut Stuffing​ Recipe
• Delia Smith Cheese Souffle Recipe
• Delia Smith Cheese Scones​ Recipe