
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)
Mango-Nut Topping
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Mango Orange Bread Pudding
Mango Orange Bread Pudding from the Recidemia collection
Mango or Orange Creme
This recipe is for 8 servings.
Mango-Papaya Jam
Mango-Papaya Jam from the Recidemia collection
Mango Rice Salad with Grilled Shrimp
Mango Rice Salad with Grilled Shrimp from the Recidemia collection
Mango Rich Preserves
Mango Rich Preserves from the Recidemia collection
Mango Sweet Pickle
Mango Sweet Pickle from the Recidemia collection
Mango Turnovers
Mango Turnovers from the Recidemia collection

Manhattan Clam Chowder
Manhattan Clam Chowder is a soup traditionally made from clams, pork, herbs tomatoes and other vegetables. Despite its name, it originated in Rhode Island not Manhattan.
Mansaf from Jordan
The national dish of Jordan is Mansaf: Lamb, sometimes lightly spiced, cooked in yoghurt, and served with huge quantities of rice.
Maple Beans
Maple Beans is a modification of the standard Baked Beans made throughout much of Europe and North America. This variant is common through south and central Quebec as well as most of Ontario and can be purchased in cans across Canada.
Maple Hot Chocolate
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 4 servings.
Ma Po Tofu
Makes 2 servings.
Marbled Tea Eggs
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Margarita Cake
Margarita Cake
Marinated Carp
In Romanian: Marinata de crap
Marinated Chicken Kabobs
Marinated Chicken Kabobs from the Recidemia collection
Marinated string beans (low cal)
Marinated string beans (low cal) from the Recidemia collection
Marinated Tomatoes
It serves 6 people. To serve, layer half the lettuce, cilantro and drained tomatoes in a serving bowl, then repeat layers.
Marmalade Cake
Marmalade Cake from the Recidemia collection
Maron's Marvelous Meat Stew
Maron's Marvelous Meat Stew
Marshmallow
This recipe describes how to make home-made Marshmallows. They can be used in any recipe that calls for marshmallows.
Marshmallow Easter Eggs
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group
Maruya
Golden banana fritter known as "maruya" in the Philippines.
Maryland Crab-Corn Stew
This recipe comes from Montréal, Québec Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group Serves 6
Maryland's Best Fried Chicken
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group
Mas Riha
Mas Riha from the Recidemia collection
Massa Sovada
Portugese Sweet Bread Contributed by Cat's Recipes Y-Group
Matambre II
This dish is normally served refrigerated with the beef very cold, which makes for much easier slicing and serving.
Matar Paneer
Serves 3.
Matar Paneer
Serves 3.
Matar Pulao
Peas pilaf
Matki Chi Usal
Ethnicity - Marathi, West Indian Type of meal - Party, Lunch, Dinner
Matsoni Yoghurt Soup
Matsoni Yoghurt Soup from the Recidemia collection
Matzo Joshawk (Passover Soup)
Matzo Joshawk (Passover Soup) from the Recidemia collection
Matzo Meal Latkes
Matzo Meal Latkes from the Recidemia collection
Maui Mingle
Makes 6 servings.
Mayonnaise (cheap version)
Although Mayonnaise is not a Dutch invention, it has become a staple with Dutch chips. Of course the Dutch have made a cheaper version of Mayonnaise, which is easy to make.
Mclean Estate Great Northern Bean Soup
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Mclean Estate in Irving, Texas in 1982.
Meat and Taters
Meat and Taters
Meatball - Appetizers
This is a wonderful little appetizer we serve after Christmas Midnight Mass in our house.
Meatballs and Gravy
Meatballs and Gravy from the Recidemia collection
Meat Balls Cassoulet
Makes 6 servings
Meat Balls I
Meat Balls I from the Recidemia collection
Meat Balls in Tomato Gravy
Meatballs and a unique sauce, great served with your favorite Pasta, or as meatball subs on a crusty bread, with melted mozzarella and dipped into sauce.
Meatball Soup
This soup beefs up the health by using chicken with lean beef to lower the fat.
Meatball Soup I
Meatball Soup
Meatball Tortellini Stew
From Menu and Recipes for the week of 2/25/07 From "Catsrecipes Y-Group"
Meat Borscht
It is cooked for several hours on a low flame and its pungent aroma penetrates every corner of the home. It has become popular to serve hot borscht at parties at the stroke of midnight. No one wanting to miss this treat will go home before that hour.
Meatless Chili
Meatless Chili