
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)
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!
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.
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.
Coconut Curried Tilapia
Coconut Curried Tilapia from the Recidemia collection
Coconut Curried Tofu with Green Jasmine Rice
Always check the ingredients to make sure the product is vegan.
Coconut Custard I
Coconut Custard I from the Recidemia collection

Coconut Drops
Coconut ice
Coconut ice from the Recidemia collection
Coconut Pudding
Coconut Pudding from the Recidemia collection
Coconut Rice I
Coconut Rice I from the Recidemia collection
Coconut Rice II
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group * Serves 4
Coconut Rice III
Coconut Rice III from the Recidemia collection
Coconut Rice with Beans
Coconut Rice with Beans from the Recidemia collection
Coconut Rice with Red Beans
Coconut Rice with Red Beans from the Recidemia collection
Coconut Snaps
* Makes 48
Coconut Toffee
Coconut Toffee from the Recidemia collection
Coffee Can Cakes
Coffee Can Cakes from the Recidemia collection
Coffee Custard
Coffee Custard
Coffee Hazelnut Ice Cream
Contributed by Lilly at Catsrecipes Y-Group * 8 Serving
Coffee Old-Fashioned
A Bourbon drink.
Cold Noodles with Tempeh
.
Cold oriental noodles with peanut sauce
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Cold Rice Drink (Fresco de Arroz)
Makes 8 to 10 servings.
Cold Sweet and Sour Soup
Cold Sweet and Sour Soup from the Recidemia collection
Cold yogurt soup
Cold yogurt soup from the Recidemia collection
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.
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.
Collards and Cabbage
If collard greens are not available, use 2 Ibs. spinach instead, in which case cut cooking time to 10 minutes.
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.
Comfort Cake
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group
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.
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
Coney Island Chili Dogs
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Serves 8
Confetti vinaigrette dressing
Confetti vinaigrette dressing from the Recidemia collection
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.
Congri (Rice and Beans) Recipe
Congri (Rice and Beans) Recipe from the Recidemia collection
Cooked Chicken
Cooked Chicken
Cookie Paint
Cookie Paint from the Recidemia collection
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!
Coriander Sauce
Makes about 1 cup.
Corn Bread
Corn Bread from the Recidemia collection
Corn Chowder
=Corn Chowder= This is the way your grandparents warmed up on a winter's day.
Corn Chowder
=Corn Chowder= This is the way your grandparents warmed up on a winter's day.
Corn Fritters II
Corn Fritters II from the Recidemia collection
Cornmeal Porridge II
Cornmeal Porridge II from the Recidemia collection
Corn soup
Corn soup from the Recidemia collection
Corn, Squash and Rice Loaves
Corn, Squash and Rice Loaves from the Recidemia collection
Cornucopia
Cornucopia from the Recidemia collection
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.
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.