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water

water

OtherYear-round

Water is calorie-free and essential for hydration and metabolic function. It contains no macronutrients but may provide trace minerals depending on source (mineral water) or lack them entirely (distilled water).

About

Water (H₂O) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless chemical compound essential to all known forms of life, consisting of two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom. It exists in three primary states—solid (ice), liquid, and gaseous (steam)—and comprises approximately 60% of the adult human body. In culinary contexts, water serves as a universal solvent and medium for cooking, with properties that vary by source (mineral, spring, filtered, distilled, or tap) and composition, affecting flavor and cooking outcomes.

In professional cooking, water quality significantly impacts final dishes. Hard water (mineral-rich) and soft water (low mineral content) influence extraction rates in tea and coffee, dissolution of salt and sugar, and the texture of baked goods and pasta. Tap water, spring water, filtered water, and mineral water each impart different mineral profiles that subtly influence flavor development and chemical reactions during cooking.

Culinary Uses

Water is the fundamental medium in cooking, serving multiple functions across all culinary traditions. It is used for boiling, steaming, poaching, and braising proteins and vegetables; dissolving ingredients such as salt, sugar, and leavening agents; creating stocks, broths, and soups; and regulating temperature and texture in baking and pastry work. In beverages, water serves as the base for tea, coffee, and broths. The quality and mineral content of water directly affect cooking results—mineral water can enhance flavor in stocks, while filtered water may be preferred for delicate preparations like consommé or when precise flavor control is necessary.

Used In

Recipes Using water (2,668)

RCI-SP.005.0046.001

Chicken Creole with Mango

Chicken Creole with Mango from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.005.0049.001

Chicken Curry I

Chicken Curry I from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.007.0018.001

Chicken Dumplings with Orange Dipping Sauce

Chicken Dumplings with Orange Dipping Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SW.004.0011.001

Chicken Fajitas

To serve, provide guests with warm flour tortillas and bowls of salsa, refried beans, guacamole, grilled onions and bell pepper strips, grated cheese, and chili con queso to make their fajitas just as they want them. Don't forget the Pico de Gallo.

RCI-SP.002.0055.001

Chicken, Fennel and Mushroom Soup

Contributed by Healthy R

RCI-SP.004.0083.001

Chicken Fricassee

Chicken Fricassee Chicken fricassee old fashioned comfort food.

RCI-MT.004.0181.001

Chicken in Cream

from my Aunt Barbara's collection (notation on card says Bethany's favorite Chicken recipe – dated 1904)

RCI-SP.005.0052.001

Chicken in Peanut and Tomato Sauce

Chicken in Peanut and Tomato Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.004.0199.001

Chicken Livers aux Herbes

Makes 6 servings

RCI-MT.004.0200.001

Chicken Livers Marengo

Makes 6 servings

RCI-ND.004.0009.001

Chicken Long Rice

A Hawaiian Chinese dish From "Catsrecipes Y-Group" Makes 6 to 8 servings

RCI-MT.004.0206.001

Chicken Marsala

Chicken Marsala from the Public Health Cookbook by the Seattle & King County Department of Public Health—original source of recipe, public domain government resource : 30 minutes : 4

RCI-SP.003.0159.001

Chicken Noodle Soup

left|100px Home style chicken noodle soup that really makes a wonderful side or meal, it cures what ails you. If you like lots of noodles use a whole pound of them. Serve hot with your favorite salad and bread. This freezes or doubles well.

RCI-SP.003.0160.001

Chicken Noodle Soup I

Chicken Noodle Soup I from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.004.0086.001

Chicken Okra Gumbo

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Pryor estate in Grapevine, Texas in 1996.

RCI-SP.004.0090.001

Chicken Paprikas

Chicken Paprikas from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.004.0092.001

Chicken Paprikash

This is my grandmother's recipe, she refuses to measure things, so these are all approximates. It makes enough food for at least 4 people.

RCI-SP.004.0093.001

Chicken Paprika Stew with Tomato

Chicken Paprika Stew with Tomato from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0161.001

Chicken Peanut Soup

Chicken Peanut Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.005.0026.001

Chicken Porridge

Vietnamese Chicken Porridge is a meat dish, very easy to prepare.

RCI-RC.005.0027.001

Chicken San Pyoke

Chicken San Pyoke (rice Soup with Chicken) is a flavorful soup to start or accompany any meal.

RCI-MT.004.0227.001

Chicken Skillet Supper

Tender and lightly seasoned, this simple dish can be a complete meal with rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.

RCI-SP.003.0164.001

Chicken Souse

Chicken Souse from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0262.001

Chicken-Style Seitan Steaks

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Chicken Tikka Masala
RCI-SP.005.0058.002

Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala is a dish based on chunks of Indian-style roast chicken (Chicken Tikka) cooked in a Tomato, Curry sauce.

RCI-BR.006.0069.001

Chicken-Vegetable Pot Pies

Chicken-Vegetable Pot Pies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.004.0235.001

Chicken with Carrot Chutney

Makes 6 servings

RCI-MT.004.0238.001

Chicken with Egusi

This chicken soup is thickened with flour ground from seeds of a melon or gourd (species of cucurbitaceae) called egusi.

RCI-MT.004.0248.001

Chicken with Sour Cream

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-VG.004.0263.001

Chickpea and Lentil Soup

Chickpea and Lentil Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0265.001

Chickpea and Spinach Curry

Curry powder gives this side dish a taste of India. Serve over brown rice.

RCI-VG.004.0267.001

Chick Pea and White Kidney Bean Dip

This dip is excellent for stuffing celery for a snack or appetizer, or as a topping for baked potatoes. Enjoy!

RCI-VG.004.0272.001

Chickpea Flour Cakes

Chickpea Flour Cakes from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0273.001

Chickpea Flour Pancakes

(Cheela ka besan) This Indian crêpe-like "pancake" can be used to roll up leftover vegetable curry for a satisfying lunch.

RCI-VG.004.0274.001

Chickpea 'Fries'

Chickpea 'Fries' SERVES: 6

RCI-VG.004.0276.001

Chickpea Salad

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Leake Estate in Arlington, Texas in 1982.

RCI-VG.004.0280.001

Chickpea Snacks

Chickpea Snacks

RCI-SP.003.0167.002

Chickpea Stew

This dish is a chickpea-vegetable curry, which will make a full meal when served with rice.

RCI-BR.004.0125.001

Chilean Cakes with Nuts

This is an authentic Chilean recipe, makes great gifts ! Everyone who goes to Chile won't forget this.

RCI-SP.004.0100.001

Chile Colorado

Chile Colorado from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.005.0022.001

Chile Purée

Chile Purée from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0169.001

Chili Beans with Olives

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Joanne Alb

RCI-SC.006.0005.001

Chili Mint Sauce

Delicious as a dipping sauce or as a marinade.

RCI-SC.005.0023.001

Chili Pepper Sauce

Chili Pepper Sauce from the Recidemia collection

Chili's Beef Fajitas
RCI-SW.004.0013.001

Chili's Beef Fajitas

Chili’s is known for their high quality fajitas. These are easy to prepare, and you can have that special Tex Mex flavor any night of the week.

RCI-SN.004.0033.001

Chili Wheat Snacks

Chili Wheat Snacks from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.006.0011.001

Chilled Avocado Soup

Source: The Great Hot Sauce Book by Jennifer Trainer Thompson * Yields: 8 servings

RCI-VG.005.0041.001

Chilled Beet and Raspberry Soup

This recipe comes from an Estate Sale and were obtained when The Family Collection from The Wetzel Estate in Plano, Texas was purchased in 1982.

RCI-SP.006.0013.001

Chilled Carrot and Mango Soup

Chilled Carrot and Mango Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.004.0264.001

Chilled Chicken with Dill Sauce

Makes 8 servings, 160 calories each and 1 cup of sauce.