Description
A quick and easy cranberry orange sauce made in the microwave with fresh rosemary. Perfect for weeknights or holiday meals, this sauce is ready in just 5 minutes and delivers bright, savory flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces (340 grams) fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) orange juice
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 large sprig fresh rosemary (about 6 inches long)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
- 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
Instructions
- Zest the orange first. Grate the outer orange skin into a small bowl to get 1 tablespoon of zest. Set aside. Then measure 1/2 cup of orange juice.
- Combine the fresh cranberries, orange juice, sugar, orange zest, and salt in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir to coat the cranberries. Lay the whole rosemary sprig on top.
- Microwave on high for 2 minutes. The cranberries will start to pop. Carefully remove the bowl and stir.
- Microwave for another 2 minutes on high. Most cranberries should have burst, and the liquid will be bubbling and deep ruby in color.
- Remove the rosemary sprig using tongs or a fork. Gently squeeze it over the bowl to release any trapped liquid, then discard.
- Stir the sauce. Some whole cranberries should remain for texture. If desired, mash with a fork for a smoother consistency.
- Let the sauce cool at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. It will thicken as it cools. Transfer to a storage container or serve warm.
Notes
Don’t chop the rosemary; leave the sprig whole to infuse gently. Watch your microwave power—check at 3 minutes if it runs hot. Use a bowl with high sides to prevent splattering. Let the sauce cool completely before refrigerating to achieve the right thickness. If overcooked and too thick, stir in a tablespoon of orange juice or water.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 75
- Carbohydrates: 23
- Fiber: 1
Keywords: cranberry sauce, orange, rosemary, quick, easy, microwave, holiday, Thanksgiving