
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)
Murgi Talkari
Chicken masala
Murg Mussallam
Murg Mussallam from the Recidemia collection
Mushroom and Rice Soup
Makes 10 servings
Mushroom and Spinach Savory Rice
Always check the ingredients to make sure the product is vegan.
Mushroom barley bean soup
Mushroom barley bean soup from the Recidemia collection
Mushroom "Cream" Gravy
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Mushroom Fat-free Dressing
Source: Eating Smart by Jeanne Jones
Mushroom Pecan Rice
Contributed by Recipe reprinted with permission from HealthRecipes.com
Mushroom Rice Pilaf
Makes 4 servings
Mushroom Soup
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: The Best o
Mushroom Soup / Pasta Sauce
Mushroom Soup / Pasta Sauce from the Recidemia collection
Mushroom Stir-fry Wrap
Mushroom Stir-fry Wrap from the Recidemia collection
Mushroom Stock
Mushroom Stock from the Recidemia collection
Mushrooms with Wild Rice
Contributed by A.English [Al & Diane]
Mushroom with Crab Meat Stuffing
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group This Y-group is
Mussels and Long Beans
Mussels and Long Beans from the Recidemia collection

Mussels Vinaigrette
Mussels Vinaigrette is a nice light summer meal.
Mustard Cabbage Tsukemono
Japanese cabbage pickles.
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.
Mutton Broth
Mutton Broth is a traditional broth commonly cooked and served in Ireland and also Australia.
Mutton Curry
A dish rich and aromatic, spicy yet not hot! It's filled with the wonderful fragrance of coriander and curry powder!
My Halwa Shebakia
My Halwa Shebakia from the Recidemia collection
Mysore Pak
* Ethnicity - South Indian * Type of meal - Party, Lunch, Dinner

Naan
Naan is a round flatbread made with white flour and is a staple accompaniment to hot meals in central and southern Asia.
Nahville Blueberry Cobbler
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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.
Narkel Shorsher Chingri
Ethnicity - Bengali, East Indian Type of meal - Party, Lunch, Dinner
Nasi Minyak (Savoury Rice)
Nasi Minyak (Savoury Rice) from the Recidemia collection
Native American Fry-Bread
Fry-Bread
NAVAJO FRY BREAD:
NAVAJO FRY BREAD
Navajo Peach Pudding
Navajo Peach Pudding
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.
N'Dizi ya na Nyama
N'Dizi ya na Nyama from the Recidemia collection
Nectarine Meringue Crowns
Nectarine Meringue Crowns from the Recidemia collection
Never-fail Hollandaise Sauce
Never-fail Hollandaise Sauce
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.
New Brunswick Barley Soup
Contributed by Stephen Ceideburg * Makes 8 servings
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.
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.
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
New Zealand Pumpkin Soup
If we travel and I find pumpkin, this is the recipe I indulge in! 4-6 servings.
Nicaraguan Pickled Onions
Nicaraguan Pickled Onions from the Recidemia collection
Nigerian Garlic
12 servings
Nigerian Groundnut Stew I
Makes 6 servings. Nigerians would more traditionally start by grinding peanuts rather than using peanut butter.
Nigerian One-pot Chicken Dinner
Nigerian One-pot Chicken Dinner from the Recidemia collection
Nigerian Peanut Soup
Makes 2 servings.
Nigerian Pepper Soup
A Delicious meat pepper soup which can also serve as a stew or sauce.
Njamma Jamma
Njamma Jamma from the Recidemia collection
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.
No Bake Powerhouse Cookies
No Bake Powerhouse Cookies from the Recidemia collection