Jamie Oliver’s Cumberland Sauce Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s Cumberland Sauce is a tangy, rich, and subtly spicy condiment that elevates any dish, especially meats, bringing a burst of flavor with just the right balance of sweetness and heat, making it a must-try for any food enthusiast.

What Is Jamie Oliver’s Cumberland Sauce

Jamie Oliver’s Cumberland Sauce is a traditional British sauce with a modern twist, ideal for pairing with meats like sausages, roast beef, and game meats. This sauce has a deep and layered flavor profile, balancing fruity sweetness from ingredients like red currant jelly and oranges, with a spicy zing from ingredients like mustard powder, cayenne pepper, and a dash of port wine. Its origins trace back to the English region of Cumberland, where it was originally created as an accompaniment for cold meats, but Jamie Oliver’s version brings the recipe into the 21st century with vibrant and fresh ingredients.

Jamie Oliver’s Cumberland Sauce Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To create Jamie Oliver’s Cumberland Sauce, you will need the following ingredients:

1. Red currant jelly – Adds a lovely, sweet tartness that is essential for the sauce’s signature flavor.
2. Orange zest – Provides a citrusy fragrance and flavor that balances the richness.
3. Fresh orange juice – To complement the zest with a fresh, slightly tangy citrus note.
4. Mustard powder – Adds a sharp, tangy kick to the sauce.
5. Cayenne pepper – Gives the sauce a delicate heat and spiciness.
6. Port wine – Brings depth, warmth, and a fruity richness to the sauce.
7. Worcestershire sauce – For an extra layer of savory depth and complexity.
8. Ground ginger – A hint of spice that complements the fruitiness of the sauce.
9. Chopped shallots – Provide sweetness and a mild onion flavor to round off the sauce.

Equipment Needed

The following kitchen tools and equipment will make preparing this sauce a breeze:

1. Saucepan – For simmering and combining the ingredients.
2. Wooden spoon – To stir the ingredients gently and prevent them from sticking to the pan.
3. Zester or grater – To zest the orange efficiently.
4. Measuring spoons – To ensure accurate quantities of spices and liquids.
5. Small bowl – For mixing the orange juice and zest together before adding them to the pan.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Cumberland Sauce?

1. Prepare Ingredients: Start by zesting the orange, then juice it. Set aside the red currant jelly and port wine.
2. Cook Shallots: Heat a saucepan over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Toss in the finely chopped shallots and sauté until soft and translucent, which should take about 3 minutes.
3. Add Spices and Liquids: Once the shallots are softened, stir in the mustard powder, cayenne pepper, ground ginger, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for another minute, allowing the spices to release their fragrance. Then, add the port wine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Simmer with Jelly: Stir in the red currant jelly, orange juice, and zest. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken to a syrupy consistency.
5. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. You may wish to add a bit more mustard powder or cayenne depending on your spice preference.
6. Serve: Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors are fully blended, remove it from the heat. Serve it hot or warm with your favorite meat dishes, or store it in the fridge for later use.

Expert Tips

1. Balance the Heat: If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper and mustard powder. Alternatively, for more heat, you can add extra cayenne or even a small dash of chili flakes.
2. Port Substitution: If you don’t have port wine, you can substitute it with a fruity red wine, though port gives the sauce a distinct richness that’s hard to replicate.
3. Make Ahead: Cumberland Sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week. The flavors continue to develop, making it even more delicious the day after.
4. Serving Ideas: This sauce is especially great with roasted meats, sausages, or game birds like venison or pheasant. It can also be used as a dipping sauce or drizzled over a cheese platter.
5. Consistency: If the sauce gets too thick upon cooling, simply reheat it with a splash of water to bring it back to a more pourable consistency.

Jamie Oliver’s Cumberland Sauce is a fantastic way to add depth, complexity, and a punch of flavor to your meals. With its blend of sweet, spicy, and fruity elements, it pairs beautifully with a wide variety of meats, transforming an ordinary dish into something extraordinary. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking to elevate your weeknight meals, this sauce will undoubtedly become a go-to favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Easy Recipe Variations For Jamie Oliver’s Cumberland Sauce

Cumberland Sauce, with its rich blend of fruitiness, tang, and warmth, is an excellent way to elevate many dishes. While Jamie Oliver’s version of Cumberland Sauce is a fantastic base, there are several fun variations you can experiment with to create new flavor profiles. Here are a few ideas to try:

1. Spicy Cumberland Sauce

   Add a kick to your sauce by incorporating chopped fresh chili peppers or a teaspoon of chili flakes. This variation is perfect if you like a touch of heat with your fruit-based sauces. The heat complements the tanginess of the mustard and the sweetness of the currants or raisins.

2. Smoky Cumberland Sauce

   For a more complex, smoky flavor, stir in a small amount of smoked paprika or chipotle powder. This will give the sauce a depth of flavor that is ideal for grilled meats, such as smoky ribs or charred sausages. A dash of liquid smoke can also be used for that unmistakable barbecue flavor.

3. Citrus Twist

   Add some citrus zest to brighten the flavor of the sauce. Grate the zest of an orange, lemon, or even lime, and stir it in with the fruits. The zest adds a fresh, zesty element that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the red wine and mustard.

4. Herbed Cumberland Sauce

   Incorporate finely chopped fresh herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or tarragon, into your sauce. These herbs provide a savory balance to the sweetness of the fruits, perfect for pairing with roast meats or hearty stews. Fresh parsley sprinkled on top before serving can also add a pop of color.

5. Berry-Based Cumberland Sauce

   While traditional Cumberland Sauce uses currants, you can experiment with other berries, like blackberries, raspberries, or blueberries. These fruits bring their own sweet-tart qualities, which can add nuance to the sauce. Pairing with red wine, a touch of balsamic vinegar, and some ground ginger enhances the flavor.

6. Apple and Pear Cumberland Sauce

   For a more autumnal version, use chopped apples or pears in place of, or alongside, the usual fruit. The natural sweetness of these fruits, combined with a little extra cinnamon or clove, brings warmth and comfort, making it an ideal accompaniment to roast pork or turkey.

7. Red Wine Alternative

   For those who may not prefer the intensity of red wine, a fruit-based wine such as port or even a good-quality sherry can be used to impart a deeper, slightly sweeter note to the sauce. For a non-alcoholic version, fruit juice like apple cider or cranberry juice can stand in while still offering a similar rich undertone.

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

Cumberland Sauce is versatile and can be stored to be used later, which makes it an excellent make-ahead option. Here are some tips to help you store leftovers and maintain the best flavor:

1. Cool Before Storing

   Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it into a storage container. This prevents condensation, which could make the sauce watery when reheated.

2. Use an Airtight Container

   For optimal freshness, store your Cumberland Sauce in an airtight container. Glass jars or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids work well, ensuring that the sauce won’t absorb any unwanted odors from the fridge.

3. Refrigeration

   Cumberland Sauce can typically be kept in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Make sure to keep it at a consistent, cool temperature. If you’re not going to use it within this timeframe, it’s a good idea to freeze it for longer storage.

4. Freezing for Longer Storage

   To freeze Cumberland Sauce, place it in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.

   When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it gently on the stove. Be aware that freezing might slightly alter the texture, but the flavors should remain intact.

5. Reheating

   When reheating Cumberland Sauce, do so gently over low to medium heat. Stir frequently to avoid burning or separating the sauce. If it appears too thick after reheating, you can add a little water or broth to loosen it up.

What Goes Well With Cumberland Sauce?

Cumberland Sauce is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a range of dishes, especially those with rich and savory profiles. Here are some ideal pairings:

1. Roast Meats

   Cumberland Sauce is a classic accompaniment to roast meats, particularly lamb, beef, and pork. The tangy, fruity nature of the sauce cuts through the richness of the meat, enhancing the overall dish. It’s particularly divine with roast lamb or sausages.

2. Grilled Sausages

   The sweetness and spiciness of Cumberland Sauce complement the smoky flavors of grilled sausages. The sauce is perfect for serving alongside hearty, flavorful sausages like Cumberland or bratwurst.

3. Cold Cuts and Charcuterie

   The sharp, fruity notes of Cumberland Sauce make it a fantastic addition to a charcuterie board. It pairs beautifully with various cold cuts, pâté, and cheeses, adding an extra layer of complexity to the platter.

4. Cheese

   The sauce’s tangy and slightly spicy flavor is an excellent match for cheeses like cheddar, blue cheese, or brie. The contrast between the sharpness of the cheese and the sauce’s sweetness creates a delightful balance.

5. Game Meat

   If you’re indulging in game meats like venison, duck, or pheasant, Cumberland Sauce is an outstanding choice. The richness of these meats is perfectly complemented by the sauce’s fruitiness and spiced kick.

6. Roasted Vegetables

   Vegetables like roasted carrots, parsnips, or sweet potatoes can benefit from a drizzle of Cumberland Sauce. The sauce adds a sweet and savory component that enhances the natural flavors of the vegetables.

7. Mashed Potatoes

   A dollop of Cumberland Sauce over mashed potatoes adds a burst of flavor, offering a contrast to the creamy, mild texture of the potatoes. It’s a simple yet effective way to elevate a comfort food staple.

Conclusion

Cumberland Sauce is a timeless condiment that brings a delightful combination of sweetness, spice, and acidity to your dishes. With Jamie Oliver’s base recipe as a starting point, there are countless ways to adapt the sauce to your preferences, whether you’re looking for extra heat, smokiness, or a fruity twist.

Storing leftovers is simple, and the sauce pairs perfectly with a wide range of dishes, from meats and cheeses to roasted vegetables. With its versatility and rich flavor profile, Cumberland Sauce is sure to be a hit at your next meal, whether you’re preparing a classic dish or experimenting with new variations.

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Needed For Jamie Oliver’s Cumberland Sauce?

Jamie Oliver’s Cumberland sauce requires ingredients like red currant jelly, Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, ground ginger, cayenne pepper, orange juice, and orange zest. These ingredients combine to create a tangy, spicy, and sweet sauce perfect for meats.

How Do You Make Cumberland Sauce According To Jamie Oliver?

To make Jamie Oliver’s Cumberland sauce, combine red currant jelly, Dijon mustard, and white wine vinegar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir to melt the jelly, then add ground ginger, cayenne pepper, orange juice, and zest. Simmer for a few minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.

What Dishes Can I Serve Cumberland Sauce With?

Cumberland sauce is traditionally served with meats such as roast lamb, game birds (like pheasant), and sausages. It also pairs well with cold cuts like ham and can be used as a dipping sauce for charcuterie boards.

Can I Make Cumberland Sauce In Advance?

Yes, you can prepare Cumberland sauce in advance. Once made, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently before serving.

Is There A Substitute For Red Currant Jelly In The Cumberland Sauce Recipe?

If you can’t find red currant jelly, you can substitute it with other types of fruit jelly, such as cranberry jelly or raspberry jelly. While the flavor might slightly differ, it will still offer a sweet and tart profile similar to red currants.

What Makes Cumberland Sauce Spicy?

The spiciness of Cumberland sauce comes from the inclusion of cayenne pepper and ground ginger. These spices add heat and depth of flavor to the sauce, balancing out the sweetness of the jelly and the acidity from the vinegar.

Can I Make Cumberland Sauce Without Alcohol?

Yes, you can omit the white wine vinegar or substitute it with a non-alcoholic alternative such as apple cider vinegar. The sauce will still have the necessary acidity without the alcohol content.

What Type Of Mustard Is Best For Cumberland Sauce?

Dijon mustard is typically used in Jamie Oliver’s Cumberland sauce for its smooth texture and mild heat. However, you can experiment with English mustard for a stronger, spicier flavor or whole-grain mustard for a bit more texture.

Can I Adjust The Sweetness Of The Cumberland Sauce?

Yes, you can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less red currant jelly, depending on your preference. If you find it too sweet, you can reduce the amount of jelly or add more vinegar to balance the flavor.

How Long Does It Take To Make Jamie Oliver’s Cumberland Sauce?

Making Jamie Oliver’s Cumberland sauce typically takes around 10-15 minutes. The sauce requires only a short simmering time to bring all the flavors together and thicken the consistency.