Skip to content
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.003.0462.001

Okra Leaves

Okra Leaves from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0463.001

Okra Soup

A Delicious Meat Soup

RCI-MT.001.0178.001

Oksesteg i Surfløde

Oksesteg i Surfløde Serves 8

RCI-BR.004.0379.001

Old fashioned applesauce cake

Old fashioned applesauce cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0973.001

Old-Fashioned Beans

Old-fashioned flavor and worth the wait!

RCI-BR.006.0227.001

Old-fashioned Egg Custard Pie

From my grandmother's collection. Dated 1912.

RCI-VG.004.0975.001

Old-fashioned Pinto Bean Soup

Many families have an old-fashioned bean soup recipe that's been handed down for generations. This one has been lightened up in fat and sodium delicious served with black bean cornbread. com Source: Magic Beans, 1996 by Patti Bazel Geil.

RCI-BV.009.0055.001

Old-fashioned Root Beer II

Makes 5 cups.

RCI-SP.003.0466.001

Old-fashioned Vegetable Soup in the Crock Pot

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Pryor Estate in Grapevine, Texas in 1996.

RCI-BR.006.0230.001

Olga's Pumpkin Pie

From recipes for diabetics by billie littl

RCI-BR.002.0076.001

Olive and Rosemary Flat Bread

Makes two 8-inch diameter, 11-ounce loaves.

RCI-BR.001.0181.001

Olive and Sundried Tomato Focaccia Bread

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

RCI-MT.004.0603.001

Olive Garden Parmesan Crusted Chicken

In this recipe you could just make the Parmesan chicken breasts and serve them just like that, or you can add the pasta, broccoli and more and make a copy cat recipe of this dish and serve this anytime at home.

RCI-SP.003.0469.001

Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana

Contributed by World Recipes Y-GroupWhile searching f

RCI-BR.001.0182.001

Olive Oil Bread

A quick, easy bread that works well with Italian foods and pastas.

RCI-SP.001.0095.001

Ølsuppe

Beer Soup Serves 12 Ølsuppe

RCI-SC.001.0041.001

Omani Coriander Chutney

Omani Coriander Chutney from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.005.0045.001

Omena Fish Stew

Omena Fish Stew from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.003.0231.001

Onde-Onde Ball

Onde-Onde Ball from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.005.0222.001

One and One Casserole

Makes 6 servings

RCI-VG.005.0138.001

One Day Pickle

Its very easy to prepare and takes no time. It can be served with any meal. Very Tasty. This recipe yields 1 pound pickled okra.

RCI-MT.005.0223.001

One Pot Ground Meat and Rice

One Pot Ground Meat and Rice from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.002.0077.001

Onion-Fennel Flatbread

Fast-rising makes these moist, fragrant breads quick to prepare. Serve them warm, accompanied with butter or with olive oil for dipping. Contributed by Jenn B aka Mom2Sam and Tiny at World Recipes Y-Group Makes 4.

RCI-SP.003.0473.001

Onion Soup I

Onion Soup I from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.004.0236.001

Opelousas Oyster Gumbo

Makes 6 servings

RCI-DS.002.0141.001

Orange Banana Pops

Source: All New Cookbook for Diabetics and Their Families, University of Alabama at Birmingham,

RCI-BR.007.0090.001

Orange Cream Puffs with Sauce and Fruits

ORANGE CREAM PUFFS

RCI-SC.003.0146.001

Orange Ginger Dressing

This is great - I really like miso and this dressing is really good with spinach (I just ate it on its own but it would make a great salad accompaniment to an Asian-influenced meal).

RCI-BV.007.0099.001

Orange Honey Shake

Purchased from the Roberts Estate in Dayton, Ohio in 1988. Dated 1937. This is an incredible morning drink. I love it. I make this for the office at least once a week, everyone loves it.

RCI-DS.001.0386.001

Orange Jelly

Orange Jelly from Dainty Desserts for Dainty People by Knox Gelatine—original source of recipe, out of copyright

RCI-BV.007.0100.001

Orange Juice Smoothies

Orange Juice Smoothies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BV.007.0103.001

Orange Milk Shake I

Posted on Diabetic Board of nvn by Patricia (Trish) McKenna, ID pmckenna.

RCI-DS.001.0388.001

Orange or Grape Blocks

Orange or Grape Blocks from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.001.0141.001

Orange Raisin Rice

Makes 6 servings

RCI-RC.001.0143.001

Orange Rice I

Orange Rice I from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.004.0196.001

Oranges in Grand Marnier

Oranges in Grand Marnier from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0389.001

Oregon Amber Cake with Mocha Frosting

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Butler Estate in Irving, Texas in 1988.

RCI-SN.004.0114.001

Oregon Hazelnut Crunch

Makes 16 servings.

RCI-BV.009.0057.001

Organic Lemonade

Organic Lemonade from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0475.001

Oriental Coconut Chicken Soup

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Butler Estate in Irving, Texas in 1988.

RCI-VG.001.0432.001

Oriental green salad

Oriental green salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.003.0149.001

Oriental Salad Dressing

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: My old rec

RCI-SF.002.0189.001

Oriental-style Seafood Salad

Oriental-style Seafood Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.005.0225.001

Osh Pyozee

Osh Pyozee from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.004.0205.001

Outdoor Beef and Rice Skillet

Makes 4 servings

RCI-SC.007.0228.001

Out-on-the Range Sauce

Recipe by Arleen Kaptur.

RCI-VG.004.0984.001

Outrageous Artichokes

Contributed by PressureCookerRecipes Y-Group

RCI-SC.003.0151.001

Outrageous Caesar Salad Dressing

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-SC.007.0229.001

Outstanding Royal Icing

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Butler Estate in Irving, Texas in 1988.

RCI-PF.006.0004.001

OVEN DRIED MANGOS

.