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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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
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
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.