A no-waste simmer pot recipe turns leftover apple cores, apple peels, and citrus peels into a simple way to bring a warm, seasonal scent to your home. Add a few pantry spices and water, then gently heat the mixture on the stovetop. It’s an easy option for using fruit scraps that might otherwise be thrown away, especially during fall and winter.
This recipe is flexible, so you can adjust the ingredients to suit what you have available. The quantities do not need to be exact, but keep an eye on the pot and add water as it evaporates. A simmer pot is for fragrance only; do not drink the liquid or leave it unattended while it is heating.
How to Make a No-Waste Simmer Pot Recipe
Collect clean fruit scraps from snacks or cooking and use them when you are ready to make the pot. Apple and orange peels provide a fruity aroma, while cinnamon and cloves add a familiar fall fragrance. Using scraps is a practical way to make use of ingredients you already have in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Apples: Peels and cores from 2–3 apples; any variety works.
- Oranges: Peels from 2–3 oranges, clementines, or mandarins.
- Cinnamon sticks: 2–3 sticks.
- Whole cloves: A small handful.
- Water: 4–6 cups, or enough to cover the ingredients in your pot.
If you do not have cinnamon or cloves, you can use a tablespoon of vanilla extract, a few sprigs of fresh rosemary, or bay leaves instead. These are optional additions, not requirements. Rinse fruit scraps before using them, particularly if they have been sitting out or have visible residue.
Stovetop Instructions
- Choose a suitable pot: Use a medium saucepan on the stovetop. A small slow cooker can also work if its instructions allow this type of use.
- Add the scraps and spices: Put the apple and citrus peels and cores, cinnamon sticks, and cloves into the pot.
- Pour in the water: Add 4–6 cups, adjusting the amount to the size of your pot. The ingredients should be covered.
- Heat gently: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over low or medium-low heat. Avoid letting the pot boil dry; lower the heat if it is bubbling vigorously.
- Check it regularly: Add more water as needed to keep the ingredients covered and maintain the aroma. Turn off the heat whenever you leave the kitchen or cannot supervise the pot.
Use a timer as a reminder to check the water level. Keep the handle turned away from the edge of the stove, and place the pot where children cannot reach it. If using a slow cooker, follow the manufacturer’s guidance and supervise it appropriately.
Easy Variations and Storage Tips
Change the scent by adjusting the ingredients rather than following a strict formula. Try one or more of these options:
- Add star anise, nutmeg, a vanilla bean, or a small amount of vanilla extract.
- Use extra apple or citrus scraps for a fruitier aroma.
- Add more cinnamon or cloves for a stronger spice scent.
- Include fresh herbs, such as rosemary, or a few bay leaves if they are available.
Once the mixture has cooled, leftover simmer pot ingredients can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days and reheated. Discard them if their appearance or smell changes. Before using the mixture again, add fresh water and check that the pot and ingredients are still in good condition.
Make Use of Fruit Scraps with a Simmer Pot
This no-waste simmer pot recipe is an uncomplicated way to reuse apple and citrus scraps while adding a cozy fragrance to a room. Keep the heat low, replenish the water, and stay nearby while it simmers. For a simple seasonal gift, dried ingredients can also be arranged in a jar with a note explaining that water is needed before simmering.
