As the leaves turn fiery crimson and the air crisps up, I find myself craving more than just pumpkin spice. This isn’t your average fall dish; it’s an aromatic journey through cozy nights and chilly mornings. The secret? A simmering pot filled with a medley of seasonal fruits, vegetables, and a heady splash of cloves that evoke the spirit of autumn.

There’s something ritualistic about this simmer. It’s the smell of cinnamon and citrus mingling with fragrant cloves that makes me feel grounded amid busy days. Plus, it’s perfect for gathering loved ones, filling the house with aromas that whisper of comfort and celebration in every sip and spoonful.

WHY I LOVE THIS RECIPE?

Joy in the familiar scent of cloves waking up the senses every time I walk into the kitchen.

Relief in knowing this warm, fragrant pot helps transition my home from chaos to calm.
Nostalgia hits strong when I see family gather around it, sharing stories and smiles.

Culinary pride in creating a dish that combines simplicity with seasonality.
Chaos turned cozy—the effort is minimal, but the feeling it sparks is enormous.

AVOID MY DISASTER (You’re Welcome)

FORGOT to taste before simmering — ended up with a bitter batch; just add a dash of honey.
DUMPED too much salt early—distracted and over-salted. A splash of vinegar balanced it out.

OVER-TORCHED the mixture — smoky smell took over. Removed from heat and added fresh herbs.
FORGOT to cover the pot — the aroma escaped, and it dried out. Cover it next time for maximum flavor.

QUICK FIXES THAT SAVE YOUR DAY

When too bland, splash in a little apple cider and simmer for 5 minutes.
Patch over-salted dish with a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup.
Shield burning by reducing heat immediately and stirring often.
When flavors clash, add a squeeze of fresh lemon or orange zest.

When the scent sizzles, stir in a handful of fresh herbs for freshness.

This simmering pot isn’t just about the flavors; it’s about capturing the fleeting magic of fall. Every time I make it, I feel that familiar warmth spread from my kitchen to my heart. It’s a reminder that simple ingredients, with a touch of seasonal spice, can turn everyday moments into something special.

As nights grow longer and the excitement of harvest time fills the air, this dish stands as an ode to cozy gatherings and chilly mornings. It’s a humble celebration of autumn’s best—a pot that invites you to slow down, breathe in that intoxicating spice, and enjoy the season’s quiet pleasures.

Autumn Spiced Fruit and Vegetable Simmer

This dish is a warm and fragrant simmer featuring seasonal fruits and vegetables infused with aromatic spices such as cloves, cinnamon, and citrus zest. The ingredients are gently cooked until tender, creating a hearty mixture with a fragrant, flavorful broth and a comforting appearance. It is typically served hot, with a thickened, slightly chunky texture that highlights the vibrant colors of the produce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: seasonal

Calories: 150

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

2 cups seasonal fruits (such as apples, pears, or citrus segments) peeled and chopped if necessary
2 cups seasonal vegetables (such as squash, carrots, or sweet potatoes) peeled and chopped into chunks

4 whole cloves whole cloves for infusion
1 stick cinnamon preferably a cinnamon stick for flavor infusion
1 zest of 1 orange or lemon citrus zest preferably fresh and finely grated
4 cups water or apple cider for simmering the mixture
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup optional, for balancing flavors
to taste salt for seasoning

Equipment

Large heavy-bottomed pot
Wooden spoon

Method

Place the large pot over medium heat and add water or apple cider to it, then drop in the cinnamon stick and whole cloves. Bring to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the fragrant spices to infuse the liquid with warm aromas.
Add the chopped seasonal fruits and vegetables to the pot, stirring gently to combine with the infused broth. Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and let everything cook gently for about 20 to 25 minutes until the fruits and vegetables are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Stir in the citrus zest and optional honey or maple syrup, tasting as you go to balance the flavors. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the overall taste.
Remove the cinnamon stick and cloves if desired, or leave them for a more intense spice flavor. Give the simmered mixture a final stir to evenly distribute the flavors.

Serve the simmer hot in bowls, with a spoonful of the fragrant broth and tender produce visible through the slightly thickened liquid. Enjoy the cozy, colorful dish that captures the essence of autumn.

Notes

Feel free to customize with your favorite seasonal fruits and vegetables. Adjust the spice quantities for a more or less intense flavor. This dish is best enjoyed warm, ideally with crusty bread or as a wholesome side.

In a season that invites reflection and warmth, this simmering pot with cloves becomes more than just a recipe. It’s a ritual—an annual reminder to savor the fleeting beauty of fall, one fragrant sip at a time.

Sharing this dish feels like wrapping yourself in a favorite blanket, familiar and comforting amidst unpredictable days. So next time the wind howls outside, you’ll know exactly what to make—something to slow down life’s rush and find a moment of simple joy.

Anjali Arora

Hi, I’m Anjali Arora — the curious heart behind Feast Chase.

To be honest, I’ve always felt most at ease in my own company. I’m not exactly a people-person (small talk still makes me cringe), but there are two things I’ve always loved deeply: animals and food.