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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-SC.007.0201.001

Mango-Nut Topping

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RCI-DS.001.0331.001

Mango Orange Bread Pudding

Mango Orange Bread Pudding from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0332.001

Mango or Orange Creme

This recipe is for 8 servings.

RCI-DS.005.0026.001

Mango-Papaya Jam

Mango-Papaya Jam from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.002.0165.001

Mango Rice Salad with Grilled Shrimp

Mango Rice Salad with Grilled Shrimp from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.005.0027.001

Mango Rich Preserves

Mango Rich Preserves from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.005.0112.001

Mango Sweet Pickle

Mango Sweet Pickle from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.007.0081.001

Mango Turnovers

Mango Turnovers from the Recidemia collection

Manhattan Clam Chowder
RCI-SP.003.0390.001

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.

RCI-RC.001.0118.001

Mansaf from Jordan

The national dish of Jordan is Mansaf: Lamb, sometimes lightly spiced, cooked in yoghurt, and served with huge quantities of rice.

RCI-VG.004.0831.001

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.

RCI-BV.008.0055.001

Maple Hot Chocolate

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 4 servings.

RCI-SP.005.0148.001

Ma Po Tofu

Makes 2 servings.

RCI-EG.004.0053.001

Marbled Tea Eggs

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RCI-BR.004.0335.001

Margarita Cake

Margarita Cake

RCI-SF.003.0028.001

Marinated Carp

In Romanian: Marinata de crap

RCI-MT.004.0562.001

Marinated Chicken Kabobs

Marinated Chicken Kabobs from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0836.001

Marinated string beans (low cal)

Marinated string beans (low cal) from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0377.001

Marinated Tomatoes

It serves 6 people. To serve, layer half the lettuce, cilantro and drained tomatoes in a serving bowl, then repeat layers.

RCI-BR.004.0336.001

Marmalade Cake

Marmalade Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.004.0205.001

Maron's Marvelous Meat Stew

Maron's Marvelous Meat Stew

RCI-DS.003.0202.001

Marshmallow

This recipe describes how to make home-made Marshmallows. They can be used in any recipe that calls for marshmallows.

RCI-DS.003.0204.001

Marshmallow Easter Eggs

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

RCI-SN.002.0204.001

Maruya

Golden banana fritter known as "maruya" in the Philippines.

RCI-SF.005.0034.001

Maryland Crab-Corn Stew

This recipe comes from Montréal, Québec Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group Serves 6

RCI-MT.004.0564.001

Maryland's Best Fried Chicken

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

RCI-SP.005.0150.001

Mas Riha

Mas Riha from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.001.0156.001

Massa Sovada

Portugese Sweet Bread Contributed by Cat's Recipes Y-Group

RCI-MT.001.0161.001

Matambre II

This dish is normally served refrigerated with the beef very cold, which makes for much easier slicing and serving.

RCI-SP.005.0152.001

Matar Paneer

Serves 3.

RCI-SP.005.0151.001

Matar Paneer

Serves 3.

RCI-RC.001.0120.001

Matar Pulao

Peas pilaf

RCI-VG.003.0081.001

Matki Chi Usal

Ethnicity - Marathi, West Indian Type of meal - Party, Lunch, Dinner

RCI-SP.003.0392.001

Matsoni Yoghurt Soup

Matsoni Yoghurt Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0393.001

Matzo Joshawk (Passover Soup)

Matzo Joshawk (Passover Soup) from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.008.0119.001

Matzo Meal Latkes

Matzo Meal Latkes from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.004.0208.001

Maui Mingle

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-SC.002.0028.001

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.

RCI-VG.004.0852.001

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.

RCI-SP.004.0209.001

Meat and Taters

Meat and Taters

RCI-MT.005.0163.001

Meatball - Appetizers

This is a wonderful little appetizer we serve after Christmas Midnight Mass in our house.

RCI-MT.005.0166.001

Meatballs and Gravy

Meatballs and Gravy from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.004.0210.001

Meat Balls Cassoulet

Makes 6 servings

RCI-MT.005.0168.001

Meat Balls I

Meat Balls I from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.005.0171.001

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.

RCI-SP.003.0395.001

Meatball Soup

This soup beefs up the health by using chicken with lean beef to lower the fat.

RCI-SP.003.0396.001

Meatball Soup I

Meatball Soup

RCI-SP.003.0397.001

Meatball Tortellini Stew

From Menu and Recipes for the week of 2/25/07 From "Catsrecipes Y-Group"

RCI-SP.003.0398.001

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.

RCI-SP.003.0399.001

Meatless Chili

Meatless Chili