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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-DS.001.0415.001

Peruvian Cream

Peruvian Cream from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0416.001

Peruvian Flan

Peruvian Flan

RCI-BR.003.0320.001

Peruvian Gingerbread

Peruvian Gingerbread

RCI-DS.001.0417.001

Peruvian Rice Pudding

Peruvian Rice Pudding from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0502.001

Peruvian Shrimp Soup

Peruvian Shrimp Soup

RCI-SN.001.0290.001

Peruvian-style Guacamole

Peruvian-style Guacamole

RCI-SP.003.0503.001

Peruvian Vegetable Stew

Peruvian Vegetable Stew

RCI-BR.003.0321.001

Pesach Popovers

Pesach Popovers from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1020.001

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.

RCI-BR.005.0502.001

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.

RCI-SP.003.0506.001

Phak Sha Paa

Pork stew with radish

RCI-ND.005.0117.001

Pho Chay

Pho Chay is a vegetable pho soup, that can be served hot.

RCI-DS.001.0418.001

Pichi Pichi

Pichi Pichi from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.005.0144.001

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.

RCI-VG.005.0147.001

Pickled Corn Relish

Purchased from Woods Estate in Canton, Texas in 1988. Dated 1941.

RCI-VG.005.0151.001

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.

RCI-VG.005.0153.002

Pickled Herring

Makes 3 pints Prep Time: 1 day, 1 hour Cook Time: 5 minutes

RCI-VG.005.0153.001

Pickled Herring

Makes 3 pints Prep Time: 1 day, 1 hour Cook Time: 5 minutes

RCI-VG.005.0156.001

Pickled Northern

Pickled Northern

RCI-VG.005.0157.001

Pickled Okra

Makes about 2 pints.

RCI-VG.005.0162.001

Pickled Sausage

Purchased from the Rosenthal Estate in Montgomery, Alabama in 1989. Date and source of recipe unknown.

RCI-VG.005.0166.001

Pickled Turnips

Pickled Turnips from the Recidemia collection

Pierogi
RCI-ND.007.0044.002

Pierogi

).

RCI-ND.007.0044.001

Pierogi

).

RCI-SN.001.0294.001

Pierogie Filling:Saurkraut Filling

Poland

RCI-MT.004.0648.001

Pigeon Roast

Cooking time: 1¼ hours Serves 2 to 4

RCI-RC.004.0221.001

Pig Seasoned Gari with Eggs

Serves 4 to 6 Cooking time: 40 minutes

RCI-BR.001.0197.001

Pineapple Carrot Coffee Ring

Pineapple Carrot Coffee Ring from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.001.0281.001

Pineapple-Fish Balls

Pineapple-Fish Balls from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0424.001

Pineapple Gelatin

Pineapple Gelatin from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0428.001

Pineapple Snow

Yield 6 cups of Pineapple snow and 2 cups of soft custard sauce.

RCI-VG.004.1025.001

Pineapple Squash

Pineapple Squash from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0263.001

Pineapple Tarts

Pineapple Tarts from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1027.001

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.

RCI-DS.004.0217.001

Pink Cloud Salad

Pink Cloud Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BV.007.0122.001

Pink Panties

Contributed by The Bartending School

RCI-SF.002.0204.001

Piri Piri Shrimp

Piri Piri Shrimp from the Recidemia collection

RCI-EG.003.0108.001

Pisces Indian Eggplant

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

RCI-SN.003.0201.001

Pita PocketsMUR (Iraqi Filled Pastries)

Pita PocketsMUR (Iraqi Filled Pastries) from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.001.0204.001

Pizza Steak and Rice

Makes 6 servings

RCI-ND.006.0061.001

Pizza Stew

Makes 2½ cups of soup. Gee! There isn't any for Bert!!!!

RCI-MT.005.0240.001

Plain Beef Meatloaf

Plain Beef Meatloaf from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0324.001

Plain Biscuits

My own biscuit recipe. Basic bare bones.

RCI-EG.001.0048.001

Plain Omelet

Plain Omelet from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.004.0220.001

Poached Pear

A wonderful summer time salad or dessert

RCI-SF.001.0284.001

Poached Salmon with wild Huckleberries

– Servings: 5.3 Serving size: 3 ounces Yield: 16 ounces

RCI-SF.001.0285.001

Poached Talapia with Spinach Cream Sauce

Poached Talapia with Spinach Cream Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.005.0064.001

Poat Dot

Cambodian grilled corn 6 servings

RCI-BR.001.0200.001

Pogaca

Nice, simple Turkish flat bread, Serbian-style. (Prep.

RCI-BR.001.0202.001

Pogacha

Rich bread