Photo by Jennifer Pallian on Unsplash
The humble, bog-dwelling cranberry may be the most underutilised seasonal ingredient of all time. I mean no disrespect to cranberry sauce when I say this, but there’s so much more you can do with these tart little nuggets than cook them in sugar water until they collapse.
I’ve discussed my love for cranberry curd and all-cranberry pie before, but I never hear anyone talking about pickled cranberries and it’s a shame.
Cranberries, cider vinegar, sugar, and a handful of warm spices mingle together to make a decidedly festive, sweet-tart fruit shrub, with all the uses that implies. Go for the obvious and dollop some on turkey, ham, or roast beef at the dinner table – it’s like cranberry sauce, but better – or mix with mayo to elevate the heck out of a leftovers sandwich.
Blitz some up with neutral oil and spices for a delicious spiced cranberry vinaigrette, or use the syrup in a pickletini (garnished with a cranberry or two in place of the traditional olive, naturally).
Honestly, I’m inclined to make a batch just so I can add it to braised red cabbage year round. The possibilities really are endless.
If you’ve never thought to pickle a cranberry, make this the year you give it a try – I don’t think you’ll regret it.
Pickled Cranberries [Saveur]
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