What to cook with cranberries? 3 useful recipes from a nutritionist

What to cook with cranberries? 3 useful recipes from a nutritionist

Sour berries are especially important in cold weather, and it is not at all necessary to consume them fresh.

“Fruits and berries should be part of a person’s daily diet, but you don’t have to buy expensive ones. The same blueberries and fresh strawberries can easily be replaced with more affordable options, such as cranberries.”

Calories (calories/protein/fats/carbohydrates) of cranberries per 100 g: 28/0,5/0,2/3,7.

Such a familiar berry for us surprisingly enough rarely appears in the diet of most people, because in fresh form it is sour. However, there are many ways to use it.

The first thing that comes to mind in this case is to sprinkle cranberries with sugar, make a dessert from it or another sweet dish. Except that all these methods are united by the fact that the added carbohydrates reduce the useful properties of the product.

The benefit of the berry is that it:

• Is a rich source of biologically active compounds necessary for a healthy diet. These include nutritional components that have antioxidant properties. Both American and European species of cranberries are rich in polyphenols such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and anthocyanins;
• includes manganese, quercetin, vitamins C and K. Ascorbic acid is essential for redox reactions, iron absorption, and the synthesis of certain hormones;
• contains fiber, which not only helps improve the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract), but also accelerates the feeling of satiety;
• reduces the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in men and women due to flavonoids and phenolic acids.

What can be prepared with cranberries?

Of course, this berry is good for baking, making cookies and other desserts. But there are other ways to use it.

Sauce from cranberries

Sestavine:

• Fresh or frozen cranberries – 1 cup;
• freshly squeezed orange juice – 1/2 cup;
• sliced shallots – 1 tbsp;
• rice vinegar – 2 tbsp;
• lemon juice – 1 tbsp;
• olive oil – 2 tbsp;
• honey – 1 tbsp;
• salt, freshly ground pepper – to taste.

Priprava:

1. In a blender or food processor, blend cranberries, orange juice, shallots, vinegar, honey and lemon juice.
2. Slowly pour in oil until desired consistency is reached.
3. In a medium sized bowl, strain the puree through a sieve, leaving no solids.
4. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
5. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Cranberry-Pomegranate Drink

Sestavine:

• cranberries – 200 g;
• pomegranate – 1 pc;
• mineral sparkling water – 1 liter;
• honey – to taste.

Priprava:

1. Clean the pomegranate, remove the membranes and films.
2. Wash cranberries well and together with the pomegranate put in a blender.
3. Grind to a puree.
4. Strain through a sieve to get rid of the pips.
5. Pour the puree into glasses or a large pitcher and add mineral water.

Non-alcoholic cranberry punch

Sestavine:

• fresh cranberries – 2 cups;
• boiling water – 1.5 liters
• freshly brewed black tea – 1 cup;
• honey – 1 tbsp;
• cloves – 3 pcs.

Priprava:

1. In a small container, pour one glass of boiling water over washed cranberries (leave some for decoration).
2. Crush cranberries, drain the juice.
3. Add the remaining water, tea and spices.
4. Bring to a boil and remove from heat.
5. Cover with a lid and let infuse for 15 min.
6. Serve in thick glass glasses with fresh cranberries and honey.