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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-RC.002.0017.001

Mixed Seafood Risotto

Makes 6 servings

RCI-VG.004.0896.001

Mjderah

A Vegetable Soup

RCI-VG.004.0897.001

Mjeddrah

Mjeddrah is a stout lentil and rice stew, a Lebanese staple.

RCI-MT.004.0578.001

Mjólkursoðinn Lundi

Puffin in milk sauce I don't care much for puffin and other sea-birds as food, but many people love them and eat them whenever they can. This recipe resembles the recipe for rock ptarmigan, in that the birds are cooked in milk.

RCI-VG.004.0898.001

Mkhwani with Groundnut Flour

Another popular ndiwo. The leaves of the pumpkin vine are considered every bit as good as the pumpkin itself, and are ready to eat much sooner - an important consideration at the beginning of the harvest.

RCI-EG.004.0054.001

Mocha Eggnog

Contributed by Stephen Ceideburg

RCI-DS.002.0136.001

Mocha Java Sorbet

Mocha Java Sorbet from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BV.007.0094.001

Mocha Magic Shake

'

RCI-BR.006.0210.001

Mochomos

Mochomos, shredded pork Chihuahua-style. Serves 6 to 8. Can be eaten as-is or used as a taco filling.

RCI-SN.004.0101.001

Modak

Modak is a deep fried Indian sweet that is almost exclusively prepared during the Ganesha Festival around August, when it is often given as an offering to Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed Remover of Obstacles. Modak is reportedly his favorite sweet.

RCI-SN.004.0102.001

Modak

Modak is a deep fried Indian sweet that is almost exclusively prepared during the Ganesha Festival around August, when it is often given as an offering to Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed Remover of Obstacles. Modak is reportedly his favorite sweet.

RCI-SN.004.0103.001

Modeling dough

Modeling dough from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0425.001

Modified Chili Con Carne

Modified Chili Con Carne from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BV.009.0052.001

Moh Let Saung

Moh Let Saung (coconut milk with sago) is the perfect dessert drink during a hot day.

RCI-VG.004.0899.002

Moin Moin

also moimoi, moyin moyin, is a traditional West African dish based on black-eyed peas or other beans. It is usually conical or cylindrical in shape, based on the shape of the mould used to make it.

RCI-VG.004.0899.001

Moin Moin

also moimoi, moyin moyin, is a traditional West African dish based on black-eyed peas or other beans. It is usually conical or cylindrical in shape, based on the shape of the mould used to make it.

RCI-BR.006.0211.001

Molasses Pie

Molasses pie sometimes referred to as Tarte à la Farlouche or Tarte à la Pichoune, commonly made as a variation of this recipe with walnuts.

RCI-DS.003.0219.001

Molasses Taffy

Confections

RCI-BR.001.0158.001

Moldavian 8 Shapes

In Romanian: Mucenici moldovenesti

RCI-SP.001.0085.001

Mom's Rosemary Pork Roast

My Mom makes this and Teriyaki Pork Roast and I have tried both of them and they are delicious.

RCI-BR.006.0212.001

Mom's southern pecan pie

Mom's southern pecan pie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.005.0046.001

Mon Lon Ye Paw

Mon Lon Ye Paw (Burmese Floating rice Balls) can be served as a dessert or a filling snack.

RCI-ND.007.0037.001

Monpetok

Monpetok (sweet rice and coconut Pyramids) can be served either as dessert or snack.

RCI-BR.004.0362.001

Montezuma's Hot Chocolate Sheet Cake

Montezuma's Hot Chocolate Sheet Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0431.001

Moose Stew

This good ol'fashioned recipe will make many happy ! Requires basic cooking skills, enjoy it !

Moqueca
RCI-SF.005.0041.001

Moqueca

right|Moqueca

RCI-SF.001.0246.001

Morgan Estate Fish Cakes

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Morgan Estate in Austin, Texas in 1982.

RCI-RC.006.0083.001

Moroccan Catfish Couscous

A Catfish recipe.

RCI-MT.004.0584.001

Moroccan Chicken Bundles

These Moroccan-Style Chicken phyllo rolls have the delicious mix of Moroccan spices including cumin, ginger, turmeric and cinnamon. These are great served with Spiced tomato Dipping Sauce - Moroccan Style.

RCI-VG.004.0909.001

Moroccan Lentil Soup

This is a great soup for vegetarians. Moroccan Lentil soup is healthy, nutritious and so easy to make. This recipe serves about 6.

RCI-DS.004.0186.001

Moroccan Oranges

A yummy dessert that is simple to prepare and is healthy too!

RCI-VG.004.0910.001

Moroccan Potato Bean Soup

This soup is an authentic Moroccan recipe, guaranteed to warm the stomach! This recipe serves 6.

RCI-VG.004.0912.001

Moro de Habas

Moro de Habas from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0913.001

Moro de Habichuelas

Moro de Habichuelas from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.008.0125.001

Mote Lone Yay Paw

Mote Lone Yay Paw (Teething Cake) is a popular Burmese cake that is prepared in celebration of a baby’s first tooth.

RCI-DS.001.0358.001

Mouhalabieh

Pudding right|Mouhalabieh

RCI-ND.006.0051.001

Mozzarella Chicken and Linguine Casserole

Mozzarella Chicken and Linguine Casserole from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0366.001

Mr. Morris' Salsa Cake

Mr. Morris' Salsa Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.005.0160.001

Mrouziya

As Lamb is a delicacy in Morocco, this dish is a real treat. If you like Lamb, you'll love this!

RCI-MT.005.0213.001

Mr Wiggles Seitan

_Wiggles's_Recipes Mr. Wiggles' seitan recipe, as posted in Buttermilk ICSA XXXIII.

RCI-PF.001.0021.001

Mtsvane Pamidori

Stewed green tomatoes right|Mtsvane Pamidori

RCI-DS.001.0360.001

Muffin Pan Snacks

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Love Estate in Sachse, Texas in 1984.

RCI-VG.004.0920.001

Mujadarra

300px| Mujadarra This recipe is for 8 servings

RCI-VG.004.0921.001

Mula ni Kadhi

Preparation Time : 30 Minutes Servings : 4

RCI-VG.005.0122.001

Mulgikapsad

Estonian sauerkraut side dish. Sauerkraut stew with pork, served with boiled potatoes. This one also turned out to be popular with the participants, one of whom slyly had the remaining portion wrapped up to take home.

RCI-RC.001.0130.001

Mulhammar

Sweet rice

RCI-SP.003.0435.001

Mulligan Stew with Rice

Makes 6 servings

RCI-SP.003.0436.001

Mulligatawny

Mulligatawny

RCI-VG.004.0922.001

Mung Bean Pudding

Green mung bean pudding with palm sugar is delicious Khmer Krom dessert. One of many fine products made by Khmer Krom is palm sugar,the best palm sugar is from Mott Chrouk(Chau Doc)province.

RCI-VG.004.0923.001

Mung Beans and Brown Rice

This is a hearty vegetarian dish that can be eaten hot or cold and served as an entire meal. The recipe will feed four with leftovers and keeps for a week refrigerated.