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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-VG.004.0412.001

Dhaal (Indian Lentil Soup)

Dhaal (Indian Lentil Soup) from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0200.001

Diabetic-friendly Cake

Diabetic-friendly Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0104.001

Diabetic-friendly Lemon Meringue Pie

Diabetic-friendly Lemon Meringue Pie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.002.0065.001

Diabetic-friendly Vanilla Ice Cream I

Diabetic-friendly Vanilla Ice Cream I from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0208.001

Diabetic-friendly Whipped Topping

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

RCI-SP.003.0233.001

Diabetic Vegetable Gumbo

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RCI-MT.001.0097.001

Dibulbul Tips

comfort food at its best.

RCI-SC.007.0093.001

Diet Chocolate-flavored Syrup

Contributed by Ursula Taylor * Yield: 20 servings - 1¼ cups

RCI-EG.003.0052.001

Diet tofu quiche

Diet tofu quiche from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.001.0072.001

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.

RCI-DS.003.0132.001

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.

RCI-MT.005.0074.001

Dolmeh Kalam

Stuffed cabbage leaves with sweet-sour sauce.

RCI-VG.004.0418.001

Dominican Feijoada I

Dominican Feijoada I from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.002.0109.001

Dong Gua Tang

White gourd soup

RCI-SP.005.0083.001

Doro Wat

Doro Wat from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.005.0084.001

Doro Wat I

Ethiopian chicken stew

Double Chocolate Brownies
RCI-BR.005.0248.001

Double Chocolate Brownies

Double Chocolate Brownies This is a long awaited favorite from my good friend Charlene.

RCI-BR.001.0075.001

Double-quick Dinner Rolls

Double-quick Dinner Rolls from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0420.001

Doubles

Cuisine | Caribbean cuisines | Cuisine of Trinidad and Tobago Serves 8

RCI-DS.001.0214.001

Double-strawberry Daiquiri Bowl

Makes: 10 servings, ½ cup each

RCI-DS.001.0215.001

Doukissa

Chocolate flavoured biscuit cake

RCI-SF.001.0118.001

Dried Fish Gumbo

Dried Fish Gumbo from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.005.0088.001

Drumstick Leaves Curry

Drumstick Leaves Curry

RCI-VG.004.0425.001

Dua Gia

Pickled bean sprouts From "Catsrecipes Y-Group"

RCI-MT.004.0358.001

Duck and Pineapple

Duck and Pineapple from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.005.0089.001

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.

RCI-MT.004.0359.001

Duckling Dar es Salaam

Duckling Dar es Salaam from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.002.0095.001

Duke's Barbecued Ribs

3-4 servings

RCI-DS.004.0095.001

Dumplings and Cocky's Joy

Dumplings and Cocky's Joy from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.002.0096.001

Dutch-Oven Pork Chops and Potatoes

Contributed by Bob Dowhy at World Recipes Y-Group * f

RCI-SP.003.0240.001

Dutch Pea Soup

Pea soup A strong soup with peas and meat like smoked sausage, smoked ham or ham hock.

RCI-SP.004.0128.001

Dutch-style Beef and Cabbage

A nice way to prepare Beef. You can also cook this in the oven in a covered casserole.

RCI-MT.004.0366.001

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.

RCI-SP.004.0129.001

Easy Cassoulet

right|Easy Cassoulet An easy Crock Pot cassoulet, with chicken and Great Northern beans.

RCI-BR.001.0079.001

Easy French Bread

=Easy French Bread=

RCI-RC.001.0076.001

Easy Maklubi

Middle Eastern cuisines | Palestinian Cuisine

RCI-BV.007.0054.002

Easy Orange Smoothie

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RCI-BV.007.0054.001

Easy Orange Smoothie

Easy Orange Smoothie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.001.0100.001

Easy Pot Roast

Fast and simple crock pot recipe to make an excellent roast.

RCI-SP.003.0244.001

Easy Wedding Soup

Easy Wedding Soup is a simple variation on Italian Wedding Soup that requires only four ingredients and water.

RCI-SP.003.0245.001

Eat Smart Mexican Potato Soup

Contributed by Jenn B aka Mom2Sam and Tiny at World Re

RCI-SP.002.0089.001

Eel Chowder

Native American cuisine

RCI-SP.005.0092.001

EGG CURRY

EGG CURRY from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BV.007.0056.001

Eggless Nog

Eggless Nog from the Recidemia collection

RCI-EG.004.0032.001

Eggnog Mold

Eggnog Mold from the Recidemia collection

RCI-EG.004.0034.001

Eggnog Mousse Pie

Eggnog Mousse Pie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0110.001

Eggnog Parfait Pies

Eggnog Parfait Pies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.002.0040.001

Egg noodles

Pasta

RCI-RC.006.0055.001

Eggplant Dressing

Eggplant Dressing from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.001.0037.001

Eggplant Miso Soup

Contributed by Waldine van Geffen