Lime Simmer Pot Recipe

Last Updated on April 9, 2025 by becky

A lime simmer pot recipe with cardamom, ginger, and herbs. An easy springtime simmer pot recipe to freshen your kitchen with the scents of citrus and thyme.

Why Make This Lime Simmer Pot Recipe?

As a city dweller, I’ve always lived in small spaces. And when you live in a small flat or apartment, it’s important to do anything you can to make the space feel fresh and airy, rather than claustrophobic and cramped.

For me, scent plays a big role in creating a calm and relaxing environment.  I’m not a fan of artificial smells, so I tend to avoid room sprays, candles, fabric fresheners, and plug-in scents, turning to natural simmer pots to freshen my space instead. Simmer pots cost very little to assemble. They’re easy to prepare using kitchen staples like spices, fruit, and herbs from the windowsill, and they’re fun to customize, too.

This simmer pot recipe includes thinly sliced limes, slices of fresh ginger, sprigs of fresh mint and thyme, and whole cardamom pods. As we welcome warmer weather, this springtime simmer pot will definitely remain in frequent rotation in my home.

Lime Simmer Pot Recipe Ingredients

To make this simmer pot recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Limes – I used 2 large, fresh limes. Use a sharp chef’s knife to slice the fruit as thinly as possible—very thick slices will sink to the bottom, rather than floating on top of the pot.
• Ginger – You’ll need a 3-4-inch piece of fresh ginger root. No need to peel, just slice and toss in the pot. And if you have some ginger left over, I recommend using it to make my candied ginger recipe.
• Thyme – I added a small bunch of sprigs of fresh thyme. The quantity really isn’t an exact science—feel free to add as much or as little thyme as you’d like.

• Mint – Along with the thyme, mint sprigs add a refreshing herbal note.
• Cardamom Pods – Whole cardamom pods add a warm and spicy note to this lime simmer pot. If you don’t keep cardamom pods in the cabinet, it’s worth buying a bag. I love adding these to my simmer pots and mulled wine, and they’re a key ingredient in Indian cooking, too.

How to Make a Simmer Pot

Making a homemade simmer pot couldn’t be easier! Just fill a pot with water (see my notes on choosing the best pot, below); add the ingredients (freshly sliced limes, cardamom pods, ginger slices, and sprigs of fresh herbs); and simmer on the stovetop for as long as desired, allowing the pot to fill your kitchen with the refreshing scents of citrus and thyme.

Which Pot Should I Use for This Simmer Pot Recipe?

To make this lime simmer pot recipe (or any of the other simmer pot recipes from my collection!) you’ll need a large, heavy-bottomed pot. I prefer to assemble my simmer pots in a stock pot, like you’d use for making homemade soup.

I also enjoy making miniature simmer pots. For smaller quantities, just halve the ingredients and reduce the amount of water so everything fits in a smaller saucepan.

Can I Reuse This Lime and Thyme Simmer Pot?

You can save this thyme and lime simmer pot and reuse it the next day.

To save, remove the pot from the stovetop and cover with a lid. When ready to reuse, remove the lid and “top up” the pot with clean water, along with a few more sprigs of fresh mint and thyme. For a stronger scent, I also like to throw in a fresh handful of cardamom pods, too.

Safety Considerations

Never leave a simmer pot unattended on the stovetop. Stay nearby to keep an eye on the stove, “topping up” with more water as needed. Do not allow the simmer pot to run dry. Take extra caution if you have young children or pets nearby.

This simmer pot recipe is designed for fragrance, not taste! After enjoying the scent, pass the contents through a colander to drain the liquid, then discard the water-logged fruit and spices with food waste.

Other simmer pot recipes you might enjoy:

Rose Simmer Pot Potpourri
Gingerbread Christmas Simmer Pot 
Citrus Simmer Pot
Vanilla Simmer Pot with Chai
Star Anise and Orange SImmer Pot
Spring Simmer Pot

And if you do make these, or any of my recipes, don’t forget to tag me @bastecutfold or use the hashtag #bastecutfold on Instagram. I always love to see what you’re making!

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