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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-RC.006.0040.001

Chilled Couscous Salad with Mango

Source: Vegetarian Times, August 1993 * Serves 4 as a side dish.

RCI-DS.004.0070.001

Chilled Ginger Rhubarb

Chilled Ginger Rhubarb from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0284.001

Chilled Lentil Salad with Spicy Vinaigrette

Chilled Lentil Salad with Spicy Vinaigrette from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0287.001

Chillie Paneer

Cottage cheese in a thick soya sauce

RCI-SN.002.0088.001

Chin Chin I

Nigerian cookies

RCI-VG.001.0145.001

Chinese Asparagus Salad

Serves 4 to 6

RCI-MT.004.0266.001

Chinese chicken

Chinese chicken from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.004.0267.001

Chinese Chicken and Broccoli

Try this delicious chicken recipe provided by Dlife's Chef Becker.

RCI-SP.001.0022.001

Chinese chicken corn soup

Chinese chicken corn soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.004.0012.001

Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup with Spinach and Garlic Chives

In Chinese culture, noodles symbolize longevity and are often served at New Year celebrations and traditionally left very long.

RCI-MT.004.0269.001

Chinese chicken with walnuts

Chinese chicken with walnuts from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0185.001

Chinese Ham Stew

My mom used to cook this every festive occasion. Everybody in the family likes it especially my daughter. Serve with hot cooked rice, if desired. Original recipe yield: 4 servings.

RCI-RC.004.0077.001

Chinese New Year Sweet Rice

This is a traditional Chinese sweet rice recipe that is usually served for the Chinese New Year. This recipe was handed down to me from my dad who liked to eat this alone as a main dish, so it's a little heartier than most other sweet rice recipes.

RCI-ND.005.0033.001

Chinese Noodle Pancakes with Asparagus

These noodle cakes have a yummy, crispy outside and a soft inside. Mmmmm. " Original recipe yield: 4 servings.

RCI-MT.002.0070.001

Chinese Oven-fried Pork Chops

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Serves 4 to 6

RCI-VG.004.0294.001

Chinese Peppered Green Beans

Bright, crisp and spicy with crushed green peppercorns, fresh red chile pepper and garlic, these green beans will add lots of flavor and color to your meal. " Original recipe yield: 6 servings.

RCI-MT.001.0081.001

Chinese Pepper Steak II

Chinese Pepper Steak II from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.001.0023.001

Chinese Rice Soup

Chinese Rice Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0295.001

Chinese Rice with Vegetables

Makes 6 servings

RCI-MT.002.0073.001

Chinese Roast Pork

" Original recipe yield: 8 to 10 servings.

RCI-DS.001.0129.001

Chinese Sago Tarts

Yields 8 tarts

RCI-SP.001.0024.001

Chinese Spinach and Mushroom Soup

This delicious spinach and Mushroom soup is quick to make and serves 4 - 6 people.

RCI-ND.007.0020.001

Chinese Steamed Buns with Meat Filling

This Chinese Steamed bun recipe has a meat and vegetable filling. The filling is best if allowed to rest in the refrigerator overnight. Use meat that is half fat and half flesh for the most tender filling.

RCI-MT.004.0272.001

Chinese-style Chicken

Makes 4 servings

RCI-BR.002.0026.001

Chinese-style Pancake with Green Onion

Makes 15 pieces

RCI-MT.002.0075.001

Chinese-style Ribs

Contributed by PressureCookerRecipes Y-Group

RCI-VG.004.0298.001

Chinese-style Sautéed Tofu

Serves 4 to 6.

RCI-EG.004.0015.001

Chinese Tea Leaf Eggs

Chinese Tea Leaf Eggs from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.001.0025.001

Chinese Winter Soup

Makes 6 cups

RCI-BR.004.0126.001

Chocolate Almond Torte

10 to 12 servings.

RCI-BR.006.0071.001

Chocolate and Vanilla Swirl Tart

8 to 10 servings.

RCI-BR.004.0130.001

Chocolate and White Yule Log

10 to 12 servings.

RCI-BR.005.0139.001

Chocolate brownies, low cal

Chocolate brownies, low cal from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0132.001

Chocolate Cake I

Good with whipped topping. Not suitable for diabetic, carbohydrate information missing.

RCI-BR.004.0133.001

Chocolate Cake with Chocolate-Pecan Frosting

.

RCI-BR.004.0137.001

Chocolate Cherry Upside-down Cake

Chocolate Cherry Upside-down Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0139.001

Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake

=Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake=

RCI-BR.005.0140.001

Chocolate chip cookies

Chocolate chip cookies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0143.001

Chocolate cinnamon torte

.

RCI-BR.005.0148.001

Chocolate Cookie Crispies

Another cereal and cake mix recipe from from the Kraft and Post cereal websites.

RCI-DS.003.0064.001

Chocolate-covered Peanuts

Makes about 36 pieces.

RCI-DS.003.0065.001

Chocolate Cream Easter Eggs

Contributed by Eddie Rickenbacker at Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-DS.001.0134.001

Chocolate Gelatin Squares

As a snack or dessert, serve this recipe topped with whipped cream.

RCI-BR.007.0034.001

Chocolate Jelly Croissants

Submitted by Wolf_man a.k.a Mike Miles

RCI-DS.001.0138.001

Chocolate Mousse

(French for "chocolate foam") is a sweet food, normally served as dessert.

RCI-BR.004.0150.001

Chocolate Mousse Torte

Chocolate Mousse Torte from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0139.001

Chocolate Mousse with Strawberry Cream

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-BR.004.0152.001

Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Cake

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Howell Estate in Canton, Texas in 1981.

RCI-DS.003.0076.001

Chocolate Pecan Fudge

Chocolate Pecan Fudge from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0140.001

Chocolate Pudding / Fudge Sauce

Enjoy the most healthy chocolate Pudding on earth!