
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)
No cholesterol chocolate cake
No cholesterol chocolate cake from the Recidemia collection
No-crust Strawberry Pie
Fruit of the Month: Berries by the US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 8 people with this recipe
No-knead Bran Bread
Contributed by Jenn B aka Mom2Sam and Tiny at
No-Knead Bread
No-Knead Bread from the Recidemia collection
No-Knead Cheddar Rolls
No-Knead Cheddar Rolls from the Recidemia collection
No-Knead Whole Wheat Bread
High altitude directions (over 3500 feet): Not recommended for use.
Non-Brie Cheese
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Noni Afghani I
These small oval breads are baked in a tandoor, the stove of the region—sometimes buried in the ground as it is in India. The Afghan oven is above ground and is of rounded bricks.
No-onion Curry Gravy Sauce
Curry without onion contains additional yogurt, tomatoes, spices. This dish can be served over vegetables,rice,tofu, and paneer.
Norman's favorite chocolate fudge
Norman's favorite chocolate fudge from the Recidemia collection
North African Cauliflower Soup
North African Cauliflower Soup from the Recidemia collection
North African Cauliflower Soup with Cumin, Chives and Fennel
North African Cauliflower Soup with Cumin, Chives and Fennel from the Recidemia collection
North American Haggis
North American Haggis
North Carolina Chopped Barbecued Pork
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group
North Carolina Watermelon Muffins
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group
Northern Bean Soup
A River of Recipes: Native American Recipes Using Commodity Foods by the USDA Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 8
Northestrone Soup
Beans, Great Northern Dry by the US Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 6
Norwegian Berry Pudding
Many different types of berries are grown during the summer months in Norway.
Norwegian Pot Roast
Purchased from Bowers Estate in Fort Worth, Texas in 1994. Dated 1947. This is a very good recipe. I have made it several times and it is a huge hit.
Norwegian Red Cabbage
Red Cabbage
Num Ta Leng Sap
Num Ta Leng Sap from the Recidemia collection
Nuoc Cham
Nuoc Cham is the name of the Spicy Fish Sauce. This sauce can be served with soups.
Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce
A dipping sauce for Vietnamese rolls, like the Soft Rolls with Crab
Nut and Banana Salad
Salad with nuts and bananas.
Nut and Potato Roast
(from my Grandmother's collection) Date on card is 1910.
Nut Kolacky
Nut Kolacky from the Recidemia collection
Nut Oat Waffles
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Steep Estate in Elmo, Texas in 1989.
Nutritious Peanut Butter Cookies
Nutritious Peanut Butter Cookies from the Recidemia collection
Nut-stuffed Semolina Pastries Cyprus-style
Nut-stuffed Semolina Pastries Cyprus-style from the Recidemia collection
Nutty Blueberry Cobbler
Fruit & Vegetable Recipes I by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 6-8
Oat Bran Cereal
It's now easy to find oat bran in the bulk section of the supermarket, but it's often hard to find the right ratios of bran, water and salt online. This is an original recipe.
Oat Bran Raisin Cookies
This recipe makes a smaller batch of cookies than usual, but it can be doubled if desired. Enjoy!!!!
Oat Crackers
Oat Crackers from the Recidemia collection
Oat Granola
Recipe from Quaker® Oat Bran Cookbook
Oatmeal Banana Waffle
Bread
Oatmeal Bran Bread
Oatmeal Bran Bread from the Recidemia collection
Oatmeal Cherry Braid
Oatmeal Cherry Braid from the Recidemia collection
Oatmeal Cookies
A tasty oatmeal cookie, just like those you remember. This recipe requires a mixer.
Oatmeal-Rhubarb Bars
Oatmeal-Rhubarb Bars from the Recidemia collection
Oatmeal Soy Bread
Yield: 1½ pound loaf
Oatmeal Water
Oatmeal Water from the Recidemia collection
Obe Ata
Eat with any of the dishes that have 'soup' with them.
Obi-non
Flat bread
Ocvirkovka
Crackling bread
O-i Keem Chee
Korean Cucumber Pickle Yield: 4 servings
Oil-free granola
Oil-free granola from the Recidemia collection
Oka I'a (Raw Fish in Coconut Cream)
Oka I'a (Raw Fish in Coconut Cream) from the Recidemia collection
OKA (Mussels Or Fish)
OKA (Mussels Or Fish) from the Recidemia collection
Okra and Ham Pilaf
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Victor Estate in Allen, Texas in 1981.
Okra and Rice
Okra and Rice from the Recidemia collection