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Herb Simmering Potpourri

This herb simmering potpourri involves gently heating a mixture of fresh herbs and citrus peels on the stovetop to release aromatic essential oils. The ingredients create a fragrant, visually simple simmer that fills the home with warm, herbal, and citrus-infused scents. The final appearance is a bubbling pot with a fragrant steam rising, offering a cozy, seasonal aroma.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: seasonal
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups water enough to cover herbs
  • 2 sprigs fresh sage oily and fragrant
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary woody aroma
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme delicate herbal scent
  • 1 lemon lemon peel zest from one lemon
  • 1 orange orange peel zest from one orange

Equipment

  • Stovetop pot
  • Lid

Method
 

  1. Place water in a stovetop pot over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer.
  2. Add the fresh herb sprigs—sage, rosemary, and thyme—into the water, allowing their oils to start releasing as the water warms.
  3. Use a vegetable peeler or your fingers to peel strips of citrus zest from the lemon and orange, then add the peels to the pot.
  4. Allow the mixture to gently bubble and release fragrant steam for about 20 to 30 minutes, adding more water as needed to keep herbs and peels submerged.
  5. Feel the aroma fill the room as the herbs and citrus infuse the water, creating a warm, citrus-herbal scent. Adjust heat so mixture simmers softly, not vigorously.
  6. When the scent is strong and inviting, turn off the heat, remove the lid, and serve the warm, aromatic mixture to enjoy the season’s cozy aroma.

Notes

Keep an eye on the mixture, topping up with water if it gets too low to prevent burning. Feel free to refresh with additional herbs or citrus slices for continued aroma.