
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)
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
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.
Pastry Fingers
Pastry Fingers from the Recidemia collection
Patatas a lo pobre
Patatas a lo pobre
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
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.
Payajra Dhulo Masu
Onion ground meat curry
PEACH ENCHILADAS
PEACH ENCHILADAS from the Recidemia collection
Peach Pancake Topping
Peaches, Canned by the US Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 6
Peachy Berry Freeze
Peachy Berry Freeze from the Recidemia collection
Peanut Brittle
Peanut Brittle is a sugar based hard candy, with peanuts embedded in it.
Peanut Burgers with Satay Sauce
Peanut Burgers with Satay Sauce from the Recidemia collection
Peanut Butter Cookies III
Peanut Butter Cookies III from the Recidemia collection
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.
Peanut Pattie
Peanut Pattie from the Recidemia collection
Peanut sauce 2
Peanut sauce 2 from the Recidemia collection
Peanut Sauce (Sambal Kacang)
Peanut Sauce (Sambal Kacang) from the Recidemia collection
Peanut Sauce (Vegan)
Vegan Cuisine
Pear chutney
is served as a side dish for many Indian foods. It can be mild to extra hot depending on the individual preference.
Pearl Couscous with Olives and Roasted Tomatoes
Always check the ingredients to make sure the product is vegan.
Pears with Nut Stuffing
Pears with Nut Stuffing
Pear Zinfandel Ice
Pear Zinfandel Ice from the Recidemia collection
Pease porridge hot
Pease porridge hot from the Recidemia collection
Peas Pagoda From Taiwan
Peas Pagoda From Taiwan from the Recidemia collection

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.
Pecan and Butter Pretzel Coffee Cake
Pecan and Butter Pretzel Coffee Cake from the Recidemia collection
Pecan Crunchies
Recipe by: Aerienne Uploaded by Drimble Wedge
Pecan Oatmeal Cookies
Pecan Oatmeal Cookies from the Recidemia collection
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.
Peksimeti
Peksimeti from the Recidemia collection
Pelau Chicken
Pelau Chicken from the Recidemia collection

Pelmeni
Pelmeni
Penne with Hearty Meat Sauce
American cuisine Pasta
Pepian en Pollo
It serves 4-6 people and normally takes 1 hour to prepare. Serve with or without rice.
Peppermint Wafers
Peppermint Wafers from the Recidemia collection
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.
Peppers and Cauliflower in Vinegar
In Romanian: Legume asortate in otet
Peppers in vinegar Romanian Style
In Romanian: Gogosari in otet in stil romanesc
Pepper Steak with Rice
Makes 6 servings
Peppy Franks with Rice
Makes 4 servings
Perfect Char-grilled Filet Mignon
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: The Lady a
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.
Perfect salad
Perfect salad from the Recidemia collection
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!
Persian Cucumber-Yogurt Salad
Persian Cucumber-Yogurt Salad from the Recidemia collection
Persian Pumpkin Stew
Persian Pumpkin Stew from the Recidemia collection
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!
Persian Saffron-Flavored Rice
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Persian Stuffed Grape Leaves
Serves six as a meal or 12 as an appetizer.
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.