Delia Smith Cranberry Relish Recipe

This cranberry relish is a bright, tangy accompaniment that brings a fresh burst of flavour to any meal. It has a soft, spoonable texture with just the right balance of sweetness and sharpness. The recipe is wonderfully simple and requires minimal effort, making it ideal even for beginners. It takes around 25 minutes from start to finish and can be made ahead for convenience.

Ingredients

For the Cranberry Relish

• 300g fresh or frozen cranberries
• 150g caster sugar
• 1 orange, zest and juice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• Pinch of salt

How to Make Delia Smith Cranberry Relish Recipe

• Prepare the oven: This recipe does not require oven cooking, but ensure all ingredients are measured and ready before starting for smooth preparation.
• Cook the mixture: Place the cranberries, sugar, orange zest and juice, chopped onion, vinegar, spices, and salt into a saucepan over medium heat.
• Simmer gently: Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens slightly.
• Adjust consistency: If the relish becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of water. It should remain soft and spoonable.
• Cool the relish: Remove from the heat and allow to cool completely. The relish will thicken further as it cools.
• Store or serve: Transfer to a clean jar or serving dish. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tips

How do I stop the relish from becoming too sharp?

Add a little extra sugar or a splash of orange juice to balance the tartness.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, the flavour improves after a day, making it perfect for preparing in advance.

What if my relish is too runny?

Simmer it for a few extra minutes until it thickens to your liking.

Can I use dried cranberries?

Fresh or frozen cranberries work best, as dried ones will not provide the same texture or sharpness.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside roast turkey or chicken
• Add to sandwiches or wraps for extra flavour
• Pair with cheese boards and cold cuts
• Use as a topping for leftover meats

Storage

Room Temperature

Keep covered for up to 6 hours if serving on the day.

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Stir before serving.

Freezing

Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before use.

Nutrition

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 0.5g
• Fat: 0.2g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 5mg

These values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used.

FAQs

Delia Smith Cranberry Relish Recipe

Recipe by Milli RoseCourse: Side DishCuisine: BritishDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Total time

1

hour 

10

minutes

A tangy and lightly spiced cranberry relish with orange and warming spices. Perfect as a festive side or accompaniment to meats and cheese.

Ingredients

• 300g cranberries

• 150g caster sugar

• 1 orange, zest and juice

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp ground cloves

• Pinch of salt

Directions

• Place all ingredients into a saucepan.
• Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
• Cook for 10 to 15 minutes until cranberries burst and soften.
• Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
• Transfer to a jar or serving dish and chill before serving.

Notes

• Adjust sweetness to taste with extra sugar or juice.
• Relish thickens as it cools.
• Perfect made a day ahead for deeper flavour.