Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce
Elevate your holiday feast with a homemade cranberry sauce crafted swiftly in your Instant Pot. This simple recipe infuses traditional flavors with a hint of fresh orange, ensuring a delightful complement to any Thanksgiving dinner.
The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the frenzy of preparing a delicious Thanksgiving dinner. One staple that graces many Thanksgiving tables is cranberry sauce. If you’re short on stove space, using an Instant Pot can be a game-changer.
Not only does it save space, but it also simplifies the cooking process, letting you focus on other dishes.
Follow this simple recipe to make a delightful homemade cranberry sauce effortlessly using your Instant Pot.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before beginning the cooking process, gather your ingredients. For this recipe, you will need:
- 1 12-ounce bag of cranberries
- 1.5 cups of sugar
- 1.5 cups of water
- 1 orange
Preparing the Ingredients
Measuring Your Cranberries
First, take your 12-ounce bag of cranberries and pour them directly into the Instant Pot. Fresh or frozen cranberries can be used, but fresh cranberries may provide a slightly better texture.
Adding Sugar and Water
Next, you’ll need to add 1.5 cups of sugar. This might seem like a lot, but it’s essential for balancing the tartness of the cranberries.
Then, add 1.5 cups of water. This helps the cranberries break down and form a sauce consistency while cooking under pressure.
Squeezing the Orange Juice
For an extra burst of flavor, juice one orange. Make sure to do this over a strainer to prevent seeds from getting into your sauce. The orange juice adds a nice citrus hint that complements the cranberries beautifully.
Setting Up the Instant Pot
Preparing the Instant Pot
Ensure that your Instant Pot is in the locked position. This is crucial for safety and proper cooking.
Programming the Instant Pot
Select the “Pressure Cook” setting. Turn off the “Keep Warm” function, and set the cooking time to 15 minutes. Make sure the pressure is set to high. Once the Instant Pot heats up, it will automatically start the pressure cooking process.
Cooking and Final Steps
Monitoring the Cooking Process
Although the Instant Pot takes care of most of the cooking, it’s good practice to stay nearby. This ensures you can quickly address any unexpected issues, although the likelihood is low.
Releasing the Pressure
Once the 15-minute cooking cycle is complete, the timer will go off. Carefully press the release button to let the pressure out. Make sure to keep your hands and face away from the steam release valve to avoid burns.
Checking Your Cranberry Sauce
After all the pressure has been released, open the lid and take a peek at your cranberry sauce. It should look vibrant and thick, with the cranberries broken down and melded with the sugar and water.
Cooling and Storing
Transferring to a Container
Carefully transfer the cranberry sauce to a container. Preferably, use a glass or plastic container with a lid to ensure freshness.
Cooling Down
Place the container in the fridge. Allow the sauce to cool down completely before the meal. Cooling helps the flavors meld together and enhances the overall taste of the sauce.
Serving the Cranberry Sauce
Your homemade cranberry sauce is now ready to be served at your Thanksgiving dinner. This simple yet flavorful sauce will impress your guests, complementing your turkey and other dishes perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Making cranberry sauce in the Instant Pot is a straightforward process that saves time and space. With just a few ingredients and steps, you can create a delicious, homemade sauce that will be the star of your holiday meal. Enjoy the season, and happy cooking!
Additional Tips
- For a different twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture before pressure cooking.
- If you prefer a chunky sauce, stir less vigorously after cooking.
- For a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender before transferring the sauce to the container.
Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce
Whip up a delightful cranberry sauce in your Instant Pot with minimal effort. This quick and easy recipe brings a homemade touch to your festive meals.
Ingredients
- 1 bag (12 oz) cranberries
- 1.5 cups sugar
- 1.5 cups water
- Juice of 1 orange
Instructions
- Pour a 12-ounce bag of cranberries into the Instant Pot.
- Add 1.5 cups of sugar and 1.5 cups of water to the pot.
- Squeeze the juice of one orange into the pot, using a strainer to catch any seeds.
- Lock the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing, and select "Pressure Cook" on high for 15 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, carefully release the pressure manually.
- Open the lid and stir the cranberry sauce, allowing it to thicken as it cools.
- Transfer the sauce to a container and refrigerate until cool.
- Serve the cranberry sauce chilled as a perfect complement to your holiday meals.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:
per 1/4 cupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 106Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 2mgCarbohydrates: 27gFiber: 2gSugar: 24gProtein: 0g