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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-BR.006.0239.001

Pastie

Not to be confused with its Cornish counterpart, the 'pastie' could be considered as one of Northern Ireland's national dishes at it is regularly bought from chip shops across the province and generally can't be found anywhere else.

Pasties
RCI-BR.006.0240.002

Pasties

A (Cornish: pasti, hoggan, incorrectly written as pastie) is a type of pie, originally from Cornwall, in the United Kingdom. It is a baked savory pastry case traditionally filled with sliced meat and vegetables.

RCI-BR.006.0242.001

Pastry Fingers

Pastry Fingers from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.002.0114.001

Patatas a lo pobre

Patatas a lo pobre

RCI-SN.004.0121.001

Paula's Nutty Brittle

From Savannah's Candy Man Recipe courtesy Paula Deen, 2007 Show: Paula's Party Episode: Candy Connection From "Catsrecipes Y-Group"

Pavlova
RCI-DS.001.0405.001

Pavlova

350px|right is a light and fluffy meringue dessert named after the ballet dancer Anna Pavlova. Both Wellington, New Zealand and Perth, Australia claim to be the home of the dish.

RCI-MT.005.0230.001

Payajra Dhulo Masu

Onion ground meat curry

RCI-DS.004.0205.001

PEACH ENCHILADAS

PEACH ENCHILADAS from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.005.0124.001

Peach Pancake Topping

Peaches, Canned by the US Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 6

RCI-DS.002.0146.001

Peachy Berry Freeze

Peachy Berry Freeze from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.004.0123.001

Peanut Brittle

Peanut Brittle is a sugar based hard candy, with peanuts embedded in it.

RCI-VG.003.0092.001

Peanut Burgers with Satay Sauce

Peanut Burgers with Satay Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0484.001

Peanut Butter Cookies III

Peanut Butter Cookies III from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.005.0111.001

Peanut Pasta

This is one of the easiest things I know how to make, but the ingredients make it seem sophisticated. You can serve this hot or cold, as a side dish or a main dish.

RCI-DS.003.0246.001

Peanut Pattie

Peanut Pattie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.006.0023.001

Peanut sauce 2

Peanut sauce 2 from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.006.0025.001

Peanut Sauce (Sambal Kacang)

Peanut Sauce (Sambal Kacang) from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.006.0026.001

Peanut Sauce (Vegan)

Vegan Cuisine

RCI-PF.005.0007.001

Pear chutney

is served as a side dish for many Indian foods. It can be mild to extra hot depending on the individual preference.

RCI-RC.006.0090.001

Pearl Couscous with Olives and Roasted Tomatoes

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

RCI-DS.004.0209.001

Pears with Nut Stuffing

Pears with Nut Stuffing

RCI-DS.002.0150.001

Pear Zinfandel Ice

Pear Zinfandel Ice from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0494.001

Pease porridge hot

Pease porridge hot from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1008.001

Peas Pagoda From Taiwan

Peas Pagoda From Taiwan from the Recidemia collection

Pebre
RCI-SC.005.0126.001

Pebre

300px| Pebre This is similar to Italian pesto or Argentinean chimichurri, and a staple on Chilean tables. It pairs will Pastel de Choclo, with grilled meats and is good stir fried into pasta or rice. Yield: 8 servings.

RCI-BR.004.0410.001

Pecan and Butter Pretzel Coffee Cake

Pecan and Butter Pretzel Coffee Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0495.001

Pecan Crunchies

Recipe by: Aerienne Uploaded by Drimble Wedge

RCI-BR.005.0498.001

Pecan Oatmeal Cookies

Pecan Oatmeal Cookies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0495.001

Pedernales River Chili

was American President Lyndon Johnson's favorite chili con carne recipe. It was named after the location of his Texas Hill Country ranch. S. Senate Majority Leader) and also adds tomatoes and onions.

RCI-BR.001.0194.001

Peksimeti

Peksimeti from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.004.0636.001

Pelau Chicken

Pelau Chicken from the Recidemia collection

Pelmeni
RCI-ND.007.0042.001

Pelmeni

Pelmeni

RCI-ND.001.0086.001

Penne with Hearty Meat Sauce

American cuisine Pasta

RCI-MT.004.0637.001

Pepian en Pollo

It serves 4-6 people and normally takes 1 hour to prepare. Serve with or without rice.

RCI-DS.003.0254.001

Peppermint Wafers

Peppermint Wafers from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.001.0089.001

Pepperoni Pizza Pasta

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Hoyt Estate in Allen, Texas in 1989.

RCI-PF.001.0023.001

Peppers and Cauliflower in Vinegar

In Romanian: Legume asortate in otet

RCI-PF.001.0025.001

Peppers in vinegar Romanian Style

In Romanian: Gogosari in otet in stil romanesc

RCI-MT.001.0200.001

Pepper Steak with Rice

Makes 6 servings

RCI-RC.004.0219.001

Peppy Franks with Rice

Makes 4 servings

RCI-MT.001.0201.001

Perfect Char-grilled Filet Mignon

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: The Lady a

RCI-EG.001.0045.001

Perfect Date Omelet

Have a great and nutritional breakfast, even more fun if you are sharing it with a date :) Makes 6 main-dish servings.

RCI-DS.001.0412.001

Perfect salad

Perfect salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0413.001

Persian Apricot Rice Pudding

I found this recipe online, and had to post it here. I really really,really love recipes like this. My dad is from England, so he loves his rice pudding, and this is a really, nice twist on the plaid version!

RCI-VG.001.0453.001

Persian Cucumber-Yogurt Salad

Persian Cucumber-Yogurt Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0501.001

Persian Pumpkin Stew

Persian Pumpkin Stew from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.001.0153.001

Persian Rice

While this seems unusual, I am told it is common in Iranian (Persian) households. I got the recipe from a young Iranian girl I worked with years ago; the recipe is from her mother. The one time I made it, it fell apart; I hope you have better luck!

RCI-RC.001.0154.001

Persian Saffron-Flavored Rice

.

RCI-VG.004.1019.001

Persian Stuffed Grape Leaves

Serves six as a meal or 12 as an appetizer.

RCI-RC.001.0155.001

Persian Tahdeeg (Rice and Potatoes)

This is my daughter Nomi's all-time favorite way to eat rice. My friend Debbie, who is married to a Persian, makes this for her every time we're over at their house for a meal.