
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)
Peruvian Cream
Peruvian Cream from the Recidemia collection
Peruvian Flan
Peruvian Flan
Peruvian Gingerbread
Peruvian Gingerbread
Peruvian Rice Pudding
Peruvian Rice Pudding from the Recidemia collection
Peruvian Shrimp Soup
Peruvian Shrimp Soup
Peruvian-style Guacamole
Peruvian-style Guacamole
Peruvian Vegetable Stew
Peruvian Vegetable Stew
Pesach Popovers
Pesach Popovers from the Recidemia collection
Pe Thee Pin Pauk Ngabaung Kyaw
Bean sprouts fried in batter is a simple and easy to prepare Burmese vegetarian main dish. It can also be served as an appetizer (by frying small balls) or snack.
Pfeffernusse
Literally translated as "peppernuts", these small, crisp, pepper (spice) cookies are a family treat at Christmas. While some recipes call for black or white pepper, this recipe does not.
Phak Sha Paa
Pork stew with radish
Pho Chay
Pho Chay is a vegetable pho soup, that can be served hot.
Pichi Pichi
Pichi Pichi from the Recidemia collection
Pickled Bell Peppers
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Poe Estate in Justin, Texas in 1987.
Pickled Corn Relish
Purchased from Woods Estate in Canton, Texas in 1988. Dated 1941.
Pickled gherkins
Traditional Estonian pickled gherkins are made in a large wooden barrel. cucumbers are placed between layers of blackcurrant leaves, dill stalks and slices of horse radish.
Pickled Herring
Makes 3 pints Prep Time: 1 day, 1 hour Cook Time: 5 minutes
Pickled Herring
Makes 3 pints Prep Time: 1 day, 1 hour Cook Time: 5 minutes
Pickled Northern
Pickled Northern
Pickled Okra
Makes about 2 pints.
Pickled Sausage
Purchased from the Rosenthal Estate in Montgomery, Alabama in 1989. Date and source of recipe unknown.
Pickled Turnips
Pickled Turnips from the Recidemia collection

Pierogi
).
Pierogi
).
Pierogie Filling:Saurkraut Filling
Poland
Pigeon Roast
Cooking time: 1¼ hours Serves 2 to 4
Pig Seasoned Gari with Eggs
Serves 4 to 6 Cooking time: 40 minutes
Pineapple Carrot Coffee Ring
Pineapple Carrot Coffee Ring from the Recidemia collection
Pineapple-Fish Balls
Pineapple-Fish Balls from the Recidemia collection
Pineapple Gelatin
Pineapple Gelatin from the Recidemia collection
Pineapple Snow
Yield 6 cups of Pineapple snow and 2 cups of soft custard sauce.
Pineapple Squash
Pineapple Squash from the Recidemia collection
Pineapple Tarts
Pineapple Tarts from the Recidemia collection
Pinion Estate Lentil Soup
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Pinion Estate in Mesquite, Texas in 1994.
Pink Cloud Salad
Pink Cloud Salad from the Recidemia collection
Pink Panties
Contributed by The Bartending School
Piri Piri Shrimp
Piri Piri Shrimp from the Recidemia collection
Pisces Indian Eggplant
Always check the ingredients to make sure the product is vegan.
Pita PocketsMUR (Iraqi Filled Pastries)
Pita PocketsMUR (Iraqi Filled Pastries) from the Recidemia collection
Pizza Steak and Rice
Makes 6 servings
Pizza Stew
Makes 2½ cups of soup. Gee! There isn't any for Bert!!!!
Plain Beef Meatloaf
Plain Beef Meatloaf from the Recidemia collection
Plain Biscuits
My own biscuit recipe. Basic bare bones.
Plain Omelet
Plain Omelet from the Recidemia collection
Poached Pear
A wonderful summer time salad or dessert
Poached Salmon with wild Huckleberries
– Servings: 5.3 Serving size: 3 ounces Yield: 16 ounces
Poached Talapia with Spinach Cream Sauce
Poached Talapia with Spinach Cream Sauce from the Recidemia collection
Poat Dot
Cambodian grilled corn 6 servings
Pogaca
Nice, simple Turkish flat bread, Serbian-style. (Prep.
Pogacha
Rich bread