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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-MT.004.0282.001

Coconut Chicken

On a recent trip to the Caribbean I was impressed by all the roadside Barbecue stops that spring up on weekends, where you can buy, very cheaply, a portion of chicken, usually in a good, if rather sticky barbecue sauce, to take away and eat on a wonderful beach somewhere!

RCI-SC.007.0076.002

Coconut Chutney

is served as a side dish for a lot of Indian snacks and breakfast items. It can be mild to extra hot depending on the individual preference. This recipe is from South India.

RCI-SC.007.0077.001

Coconut Chutney (North Indian)

is served as an accompaniment to many South Indian dishes, such as dosa and idli. This recipe is a North Indian variant.

RCI-SF.001.0094.001

Coconut Curried Tilapia

Coconut Curried Tilapia from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.005.0064.001

Coconut Curried Tofu with Green Jasmine Rice

Always check the ingredients to make sure the product is vegan.

RCI-DS.001.0161.001

Coconut Custard I

Coconut Custard I from the Recidemia collection

Coconut Drops
RCI-DS.003.0099.001

Coconut Drops

RCI-DS.003.0101.001

Coconut ice

Coconut ice from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0162.001

Coconut Pudding

Coconut Pudding from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.004.0084.001

Coconut Rice I

Coconut Rice I from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.004.0085.001

Coconut Rice II

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group * Serves 4

RCI-RC.001.0060.001

Coconut Rice III

Coconut Rice III from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.004.0086.001

Coconut Rice with Beans

Coconut Rice with Beans from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.004.0087.001

Coconut Rice with Red Beans

Coconut Rice with Red Beans from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0206.001

Coconut Snaps

* Makes 48

RCI-DS.003.0105.001

Coconut Toffee

Coconut Toffee from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0184.001

Coffee Can Cakes

Coffee Can Cakes from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0164.001

Coffee Custard

Coffee Custard

RCI-DS.002.0049.001

Coffee Hazelnut Ice Cream

Contributed by Lilly at Catsrecipes Y-Group * 8 Serving

RCI-BV.002.0020.001

Coffee Old-Fashioned

A Bourbon drink.

RCI-ND.005.0039.001

Cold Noodles with Tempeh

.

RCI-SN.004.0046.001

Cold oriental noodles with peanut sauce

.

RCI-BV.009.0018.001

Cold Rice Drink (Fresco de Arroz)

Makes 8 to 10 servings.

RCI-SP.006.0030.001

Cold Sweet and Sour Soup

Cold Sweet and Sour Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.006.0034.001

Cold yogurt soup

Cold yogurt soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0324.001

Collard Greens with Coconut Milk

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Lyle Estate in Hurst, Texas in 1984.

RCI-VG.004.0325.001

Collard Greens with Oyster Sauce

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Knudson Estate in Cedar Hill, Texas in 1992.

RCI-VG.004.0326.001

Collards and Cabbage

If collard greens are not available, use 2 Ibs. spinach instead, in which case cut cooking time to 10 minutes.

RCI-VG.004.0328.001

Colorful Black Bean and Crab Salad

This is a very colourful side dish that I serve with jerk chicken or barbecued steaks. I quite often will take this to a pot luck along with several copies of the recipe, as it is always requested.

RCI-BR.004.0186.001

Comfort Cake

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

RCI-SP.004.0111.001

Comlek

Rabbit casserole with onions and wine vinegar. The same recipe can be used for hare, with excellent results, by increasing quantities of other ingredients, since hare is much heavier than rabbit. , being soaked in vinegar.

RCI-DS.001.0170.001

Condensed Milk Pudding with Orange Jelly

250px|right Condensed Milk Pudding with Orange Jelly from Dainty Desserts for Dainty People by Knox Gelatine—original source of recipe, out of copyright

RCI-SW.002.0029.001

Coney Island Chili Dogs

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Serves 8

RCI-SC.003.0050.001

Confetti vinaigrette dressing

Confetti vinaigrette dressing from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.004.0080.001

Congo Fool

Fool is old-fashioned custard and fruit dessert native to England, but popular in English-speaking Africa. In the original English Fool, gooseberries are traditionally used.

RCI-VG.004.0332.001

Congri (Rice and Beans) Recipe

Congri (Rice and Beans) Recipe from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.004.0288.001

Cooked Chicken

Cooked Chicken

RCI-SC.007.0082.001

Cookie Paint

Cookie Paint from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BV.009.0020.001

Cooling Blend

Herbal tea for colds and flu. The rose hips deliver a large dose of vitamin C, while peppermint and sage have a cooling effect on the system. This tea is particularly helpful with feverish colds. And it tastes good!

RCI-SC.005.0035.001

Coriander Sauce

Makes about 1 cup.

RCI-BR.003.0150.001

Corn Bread

Corn Bread from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.002.0060.002

Corn Chowder

=Corn Chowder= This is the way your grandparents warmed up on a winter's day.

RCI-SP.002.0060.001

Corn Chowder

=Corn Chowder= This is the way your grandparents warmed up on a winter's day.

RCI-SN.002.0102.001

Corn Fritters II

Corn Fritters II from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.005.0033.001

Cornmeal Porridge II

Cornmeal Porridge II from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0206.001

Corn soup

Corn soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-EG.003.0041.001

Corn, Squash and Rice Loaves

Corn, Squash and Rice Loaves from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.001.0067.001

Cornucopia

Cornucopia from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0340.001

Country-style Collard Greens

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Hakes Estate in Dallas, Texas in 1988.

RCI-VG.005.0046.001

Country-style Ribs and Sauerkraut

This is so good, and I have leftovers for tomorrow! this recipe would be enough for 3 normal appetites or 2 real hungry folks. One recipe said to cook the recipe for 25 minutes under pressure. IMO this would have been way too long.