
water
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)
Chilled Couscous Salad with Mango
Source: Vegetarian Times, August 1993 * Serves 4 as a side dish.
Chilled Ginger Rhubarb
Chilled Ginger Rhubarb from the Recidemia collection
Chilled Lentil Salad with Spicy Vinaigrette
Chilled Lentil Salad with Spicy Vinaigrette from the Recidemia collection
Chillie Paneer
Cottage cheese in a thick soya sauce
Chin Chin I
Nigerian cookies
Chinese Asparagus Salad
Serves 4 to 6
Chinese chicken
Chinese chicken from the Recidemia collection
Chinese Chicken and Broccoli
Try this delicious chicken recipe provided by Dlife's Chef Becker.
Chinese chicken corn soup
Chinese chicken corn soup from the Recidemia collection
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.
Chinese chicken with walnuts
Chinese chicken with walnuts from the Recidemia collection
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.
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.
Chinese Noodle Pancakes with Asparagus
These noodle cakes have a yummy, crispy outside and a soft inside. Mmmmm. " Original recipe yield: 4 servings.
Chinese Oven-fried Pork Chops
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Serves 4 to 6
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.
Chinese Pepper Steak II
Chinese Pepper Steak II from the Recidemia collection
Chinese Rice Soup
Chinese Rice Soup from the Recidemia collection
Chinese Rice with Vegetables
Makes 6 servings
Chinese Roast Pork
" Original recipe yield: 8 to 10 servings.
Chinese Sago Tarts
Yields 8 tarts
Chinese Spinach and Mushroom Soup
This delicious spinach and Mushroom soup is quick to make and serves 4 - 6 people.
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.
Chinese-style Chicken
Makes 4 servings
Chinese-style Pancake with Green Onion
Makes 15 pieces
Chinese-style Ribs
Contributed by PressureCookerRecipes Y-Group
Chinese-style Sautéed Tofu
Serves 4 to 6.
Chinese Tea Leaf Eggs
Chinese Tea Leaf Eggs from the Recidemia collection
Chinese Winter Soup
Makes 6 cups
Chocolate Almond Torte
10 to 12 servings.
Chocolate and Vanilla Swirl Tart
8 to 10 servings.
Chocolate and White Yule Log
10 to 12 servings.
Chocolate brownies, low cal
Chocolate brownies, low cal from the Recidemia collection
Chocolate Cake I
Good with whipped topping. Not suitable for diabetic, carbohydrate information missing.
Chocolate Cake with Chocolate-Pecan Frosting
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Chocolate Cherry Upside-down Cake
Chocolate Cherry Upside-down Cake from the Recidemia collection
Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake
=Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake=
Chocolate chip cookies
Chocolate chip cookies from the Recidemia collection
Chocolate cinnamon torte
.
Chocolate Cookie Crispies
Another cereal and cake mix recipe from from the Kraft and Post cereal websites.
Chocolate-covered Peanuts
Makes about 36 pieces.
Chocolate Cream Easter Eggs
Contributed by Eddie Rickenbacker at Catsrecipes Y-Group
Chocolate Gelatin Squares
As a snack or dessert, serve this recipe topped with whipped cream.
Chocolate Jelly Croissants
Submitted by Wolf_man a.k.a Mike Miles
Chocolate Mousse
(French for "chocolate foam") is a sweet food, normally served as dessert.
Chocolate Mousse Torte
Chocolate Mousse Torte from the Recidemia collection
Chocolate Mousse with Strawberry Cream
Makes 6 servings.
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.
Chocolate Pecan Fudge
Chocolate Pecan Fudge from the Recidemia collection
Chocolate Pudding / Fudge Sauce
Enjoy the most healthy chocolate Pudding on earth!