Festive Cranberry Chestnut Relish for the Holidays

This Festive Cranberry Chestnut Relish for the Holidays is a sophisticated twist on the classic cranberry sauce — tangy, aromatic, and delicately nutty. It blends cranberries with roasted chestnuts, shallots, herbs, and honey for a balance of sweet, savoury, and earthy flavours. This festive cranberry chestnut relish makes an elegant and colourful addition to your Christmas or winter table, pairing beautifully with roasted meats, cheeses, or even warm bread.

Hey folks – I hope you’re doing well.

Today I’m sharing a lovely, seasonal condiment that perfectly captures the taste of the holidays – this festive cranberry chestnut relish combines the brightness of cranberries with the smooth nuttiness of chestnuts and the warmth of rosemary. So, let’s dive into this festive appetizer!

What Is Relish?

Relish is a condiment made from chopped fruits or vegetables that are cooked or pickled to create a sweet, tart, or savoury flavour. Unlike jam or chutney, relish tends to have a chunkier texture and a fresher taste. In this holiday cranberry relish, chestnuts add a creamy, mellow quality that balances the fruit’s tartness and makes the texture richer and smoother – perfect for festive entertaining.

Why You’ll Love This Festive Cranberry Chestnut Relish

• Festive and Elegant: A beautiful holiday condiment that looks as good as it tastes.
• Unique and Balanced: Combines sweet-tart cranberries, buttery chestnuts, and aromatic herbs.
• Quick and Easy: Takes only 20 minutes from start to finish.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Keeps well in the refrigerator for several days.

Festive Cranberry Chestnut Relish: Flavour and Texture Profile

This festive cranberry chestnut relish has a wonderful combination of flavours – tart, nutty, floral, and gently spiced. The shallots and rosemary add depth and fragrance, while honey and orange liqueur provide subtle sweetness and warmth. The cranberries bring a bright, tangy pop, and the chestnuts give the relish a satisfying body. It’s glossy, vibrant, and festive – a perfect complement to hearty mains and cheese platters alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Recipe

• Cranberries: Fresh cranberries provide bright colour and tangy flavour.
• Cooked Chestnuts: Roasted or vacuum-packed chestnuts add texture and a gentle nuttiness.
• Shallots: Add mild sweetness and depth without overpowering.
• Olive Oil and Butter: For sautéing shallots and herbs, giving richness and aroma.
• Fresh Rosemary or Thyme: Bring herbal fragrance and festive flavour.
• Honey: Balances tartness and enhances the fruit’s natural sweetness.
• Salt and Nutmeg: Round out and deepen the overall flavour profile.
• Orange Liqueur or Brandy (Optional): Adds a touch of citrusy warmth and complexity.

How to Make This Festive Cranberry Chestnut Relish

In a medium pan, heat the olive oil and butter over low-medium heat. Add the minced shallots, rosemary, and a pinch of salt, and cook for about five minutes until the shallots are soft and fragrant but not browned. Stir in the chopped chestnuts and cook for two to three minutes.

Next, add the cranberries, honey, and nutmeg. Cook for four to five minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin to soften but still hold their shape. If using, add a splash of orange liqueur or brandy and let the alcohol evaporate for about 30 seconds. Remove from the heat and cool slightly before transferring to a container. Refrigerate for up to four or five days – though it’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days for maximum freshness.

More Delicious Recipes

Are you looking for more fun recipes like this festive cranberry chestnut relish? Be sure to check more recipes below:

• Cranberry Walnut Relish
• Festive Cranberry Sauce with Orange Liqueur
• Rosé Wine Cranberry Sauce (Christmas Cranberry Sauce)

I’d love for you to try this easy Festive Cranberry Chestnut Relish for the Holidays. If you give this festive condiment recipe a go, please share your results in the comments, message me on Instagram, or post your photos with the hashtag #havocinthekitchen. I look forward to seeing your creations and hearing your thoughts!

Cheers!

Print

Festive Cranberry Chestnut Relish for the Holidays

Recipe by Ben | Havocinthekitchen

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: Christmas, Festive Cheese and Appetizers

Servings

8-12

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Festive cranberry chestnut relish with honey, rosemary, nutmeg, and orange liqueur – bright and elegant for the holidays.

Cook Mode

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Ingredients

• 1 tbsp. (15 ml.) olive oil

• 1 tbsp. (15 gr.) unsalted butter

• 2-4 shallots, minced

• 1/2 to 1 tbsp. minced fresh rosemary (or thyme)

• 250-300 gr. cooked and peeled chestnuts (I used vacuum-packed), roughly chopped

• 340 gr. (12 oz.) fresh cranberries

• 3-4 tbsp. (60-80 gr.) honey

• a good pinch (about 1/2 tsp.) salt

• a few generous gratings of nutmeg

• 
  a good splash (1-2 tbsp. or 15-30 ml.) orange liqueur like Triple sec or brandy (optional)

Directions

• In a medium large pan, combine the olive oil and 1 tbsp. of butter over low-medium heat. And the shallots and rosemary and slightly season with salt and cook for about 5 minutes, until the shallots are soft and fragrant but not browned.
• Add the chestnuts and cook 2-3 minutes.
• Add the cranberries along with the honey and nutmeg. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring often, or until the cranberries start to soften but still firm.
• If using, add a few splashed of triple sec or brady. Let the alcohol evaporate for 30-40 seconds, and turn the heat off. Let cool before transferring to a container. The leftovers will stay fresh when refrigerated for up to 4-5 days, but it’s always best to enjoy it during the first few days.