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 (2,547)
Danish White Cucumber Pickles
This is my mother's recipe with a few adaptations by me. They are wonderful crisp white, sweet pickles that go well with anything (except maybe ice cream). You nearly always see this pickle on Danish open faced Liver pate sandwiches.
Dark Sweet Fruitcake
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Prep time: 8"x4" p
Date Charlotte
* Serves 8 to 10
Date Nut Bread
From "Healthy Recipes For Diabetic Friends Y-Group" From: Forbidden Foods Diabetic Cooking by Maggie Powers Yield: 16 Servings
Date Nut Bread Pressure Cooker-style
Contributed by PressureCookerRecipes Y-Group
Date Rolls
Date Rolls from the Recidemia collection
David's Mushroom Barley Soup
David's Mushroom Barley Soup from the Recidemia collection
Dawet
Dawood Basha
meat Balls with Onion right|Dawood Basha
Ddeok Gook (Korean New Year Rice Cake Soup)
This is a traditional Lunar New Year dish in Korea. I have seen many different recipes - the only really standard ingredient seems to be the rice cakes -- but I really liked the savoriness of this one.
Deaf Dumplings
Deaf Dumplings from the Recidemia collection
Debate Slow Cooker Barbecue Sandwiches
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Southern L
Decadent Fat-free Chocolate Cake
Makes 16 servings
Deep-dish Mocha Tiramisu
Deep-dish Mocha Tiramisu from the Recidemia collection
Delizia all'avocado
Crème brulée
Dessert Apple Rings
Onions rings are an All-American classic, but did you know that apples make delicious “rings,” too?! This Apple Dessert Rings recipe uses my Cinnamon Cream Syrup recipe just like onion rings use ketchup for dipping.
Dhaal (Indian Lentil Soup)
Dhaal (Indian Lentil Soup) from the Recidemia collection
Diabetic-friendly Cake
Diabetic-friendly Cake from the Recidemia collection
Diabetic-friendly Lemon Meringue Pie
Diabetic-friendly Lemon Meringue Pie from the Recidemia collection
Diabetic-friendly Vanilla Ice Cream I
Diabetic-friendly Vanilla Ice Cream I from the Recidemia collection
Diabetic-friendly Whipped Topping
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group
Diabetic Vegetable Gumbo
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Dibulbul Tips
comfort food at its best.
Diet Chocolate-flavored Syrup
Contributed by Ursula Taylor * Yield: 20 servings - 1¼ cups
Diet tofu quiche
Diet tofu quiche from the Recidemia collection
Dill Mint Pilaf
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Baxter Estate in Heath, Texas in 1984.
Dixie Peanut Brittle
Peanut & Pecan Recipes by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Yields about 2 pounds.
Dolmeh Kalam
Stuffed cabbage leaves with sweet-sour sauce.
Dominican Feijoada I
Dominican Feijoada I from the Recidemia collection
Dong Gua Tang
White gourd soup
Doro Wat
Doro Wat from the Recidemia collection
Doro Wat I
Ethiopian chicken stew
Double Chocolate Brownies
Double Chocolate Brownies This is a long awaited favorite from my good friend Charlene.
Double-quick Dinner Rolls
Double-quick Dinner Rolls from the Recidemia collection
Doubles
Cuisine | Caribbean cuisines | Cuisine of Trinidad and Tobago Serves 8
Double-strawberry Daiquiri Bowl
Makes: 10 servings, ½ cup each
Doukissa
Chocolate flavoured biscuit cake
Dried Fish Gumbo
Dried Fish Gumbo from the Recidemia collection
Dua Gia
Pickled bean sprouts From "Catsrecipes Y-Group"
Duck and Pineapple
Duck and Pineapple from the Recidemia collection
Duck and Potato Curry
Curry in Burmese is called sipyan which literally means ‘oil returns’, a sign when the gravy is ready. Although a curry, very little spices are used, instead the flavour is created by caramelising the onion, garlic and chilli paste.
Duckling Dar es Salaam
Duckling Dar es Salaam from the Recidemia collection
Duke's Barbecued Ribs
3-4 servings
Dumplings and Cocky's Joy
Dumplings and Cocky's Joy from the Recidemia collection
Dutch-Oven Pork Chops and Potatoes
Contributed by Bob Dowhy at World Recipes Y-Group * f
Dutch-style Beef and Cabbage
A nice way to prepare Beef. You can also cook this in the oven in a covered casserole.
East Indian Chicken
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Fisher Estate in Rockwall, Texas in 1980.
Easy Cassoulet
right|Easy Cassoulet An easy Crock Pot cassoulet, with chicken and Great Northern beans.
Easy French Bread
=Easy French Bread=
Easy Maklubi
Middle Eastern cuisines | Palestinian Cuisine