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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-SP.005.0165.001

Murgi Talkari

Chicken masala

RCI-MT.004.0590.001

Murg Mussallam

Murg Mussallam from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.001.0089.001

Mushroom and Rice Soup

Makes 10 servings

RCI-VG.004.0926.001

Mushroom and Spinach Savory Rice

Always check the ingredients to make sure the product is vegan.

RCI-VG.004.0927.001

Mushroom barley bean soup

Mushroom barley bean soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.004.0025.001

Mushroom "Cream" Gravy

.

RCI-SC.003.0136.001

Mushroom Fat-free Dressing

Source: Eating Smart by Jeanne Jones

RCI-RC.004.0182.001

Mushroom Pecan Rice

Contributed by Recipe reprinted with permission from HealthRecipes.com

RCI-RC.001.0132.001

Mushroom Rice Pilaf

Makes 4 servings

RCI-SP.002.0133.001

Mushroom Soup

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: The Best o

RCI-SP.003.0439.001

Mushroom Soup / Pasta Sauce

Mushroom Soup / Pasta Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SW.003.0053.001

Mushroom Stir-fry Wrap

Mushroom Stir-fry Wrap from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.001.0090.001

Mushroom Stock

Mushroom Stock from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0935.001

Mushrooms with Wild Rice

Contributed by A.English [Al & Diane]

RCI-VG.005.0127.001

Mushroom with Crab Meat Stuffing

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group This Y-group is

RCI-VG.004.0936.001

Mussels and Long Beans

Mussels and Long Beans from the Recidemia collection

Mussels Vinaigrette
RCI-SF.002.0177.001

Mussels Vinaigrette

Mussels Vinaigrette is a nice light summer meal.

RCI-VG.005.0128.001

Mustard Cabbage Tsukemono

Japanese cabbage pickles.

RCI-MT.002.0186.001

Mustard Greens and Ham Hocks

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-SP.001.0091.001

Mutton Broth

Mutton Broth is a traditional broth commonly cooked and served in Ireland and also Australia.

RCI-SP.005.0167.001

Mutton Curry

A dish rich and aromatic, spicy yet not hot! It's filled with the wonderful fragrance of coriander and curry powder!

RCI-BR.005.0428.001

My Halwa Shebakia

My Halwa Shebakia from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0943.001

Mysore Pak

* Ethnicity - South Indian * Type of meal - Party, Lunch, Dinner

Naan
RCI-BR.002.0065.001

Naan

Naan is a round flatbread made with white flour and is a staple accompaniment to hot meals in central and southern Asia.

RCI-DS.004.0187.001

Nahville Blueberry Cobbler

.

RCI-MT.002.0187.001

Nam Sod

Pork Salad with Mint, Peanuts and Ginger A very refreshing taste experience that paired well with a bottle of Gewurztraminer that I wanted to use up. We use the lettuce to make little bundles of the salad.

RCI-SF.002.0179.001

Narkel Shorsher Chingri

Ethnicity - Bengali, East Indian Type of meal - Party, Lunch, Dinner

RCI-RC.001.0137.001

Nasi Minyak (Savoury Rice)

Nasi Minyak (Savoury Rice) from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.002.0070.001

Native American Fry-Bread

Fry-Bread

RCI-BR.002.0072.001

NAVAJO FRY BREAD:

NAVAJO FRY BREAD

RCI-DS.001.0364.001

Navajo Peach Pudding

Navajo Peach Pudding

RCI-SP.004.0224.001

Ndizi na Nyama

Plantains with meat. Ndizi is the Swahili word for plantains. Nyama is the Swahili word for meat. This recipe can be either Ndizi na Nyama (plantains with meat) or Nyama na Ndizi (meat with plantains) depending on what's in the pantry.

RCI-SP.004.0225.001

N'Dizi ya na Nyama

N'Dizi ya na Nyama from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.004.0189.001

Nectarine Meringue Crowns

Nectarine Meringue Crowns from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.002.0034.001

Never-fail Hollandaise Sauce

Never-fail Hollandaise Sauce

RCI-BR.006.0216.001

Never Fail Pie Crust

This quick pastry is a no-fail recipe made easily with ingredients usually found in most kitchens. Be sure to use cold water and keep well-wrapped until ready to use.

RCI-SP.003.0452.001

New Brunswick Barley Soup

Contributed by Stephen Ceideburg * Makes 8 servings

RCI-VG.004.0952.001

New Orleans Red Beans and Rice I

Red beans and rice is an emblematic dish of Louisiana Creole cuisine, (not originally of Cajun cuisine) traditionally made on Mondays with red beans, vegetables (bell pepper, onion and celery), spices (thyme, cayenne pepper, and bay leaf) and pork bones as left over from Sunday dinner, cooked together slowly in a pot and served over rice.

RCI-VG.002.0098.001

New Potatoes with Three-cheese Fondue

Although a fondue pot suits this recipe, it isn’t absolutely necessary. Simply put the fondue in a decorative microwavable bowl, and serve it warm. When the fondue gets too cold, just rewarm it in the microwave.

RCI-SP.003.0453.001

New Potato Leek Soup

New Potato Leek Soup from The Public Health Cookbook, Seattle & King County Department of Public Health—original s ource of recipe, government resource in the public domain : About 30 minutes : 4

RCI-SP.002.0139.001

New Zealand Pumpkin Soup

If we travel and I find pumpkin, this is the recipe I indulge in! 4-6 servings.

RCI-VG.005.0132.001

Nicaraguan Pickled Onions

Nicaraguan Pickled Onions from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.007.0221.001

Nigerian Garlic

12 servings

RCI-SP.005.0176.001

Nigerian Groundnut Stew I

Makes 6 servings. Nigerians would more traditionally start by grinding peanuts rather than using peanut butter.

RCI-MT.004.0599.001

Nigerian One-pot Chicken Dinner

Nigerian One-pot Chicken Dinner from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0454.001

Nigerian Peanut Soup

Makes 2 servings.

RCI-SP.004.0227.001

Nigerian Pepper Soup

A Delicious meat pepper soup which can also serve as a stew or sauce.

RCI-VG.004.0956.001

Njamma Jamma

Njamma Jamma from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.005.0178.001

Nkatenkwan

Various peanut soups are common throughout Africa. some are very simple, others more elaborate. They are often eaten as a main course along with rice, or one of the fufu-like staples: baton de manioc, fufu, or ugali.

RCI-BR.005.0437.001

No Bake Powerhouse Cookies

No Bake Powerhouse Cookies from the Recidemia collection