
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)
Baked Okra Turkish-style
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Baxter Estate in Heath, Texas in 1984.
Baked-on Decorator's Frosting
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group
Baked Peaches
Serve with pork chops or roast, even barbecued ribs
Baked Potato Soup
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group
Baked Rice II
recipe was for 1 serving.
Baked Sicilian Frittata
Baked Sicilian Frittata from the Recidemia collection
Baklava With Pistachio Nuts
Cuisine of Turkey
Balkenbrij
This is a very traditional Dutch recipe, which is hardly every made anymore. Please do not read if you have a weak stomach.
Balsamic Chicken and Brown Rice Salad
Balsamic Chicken and Brown Rice Salad from the Recidemia collection
Balsamic Rosemary Chicken
From "Healthy Recipes For Diabetic Friends Y-Group" Source: Express Lane Diabetic Cooking by Robyn Webb Yield: 4 servings
Balsamic Vinaigrette
Makes about ¾ cup or 12 servings (1 tbsp each).
Banana-Berry Fruit Smoothie
Banana-Berry Fruit Smoothie from the Recidemia collection
Banana Cream Pie
Banana Cream Pie from the Recidemia collection
Banana Curry Dip I
Banana Curry Dip I from the Recidemia collection
Banana ketchup
you can put it in hamburgers and cakes.
Banana Loaf
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 1 loaf
Banana Nut Snacks
Another bar cookie recipe from Womans Day Magazine
Banana-Orange-Strawberry Fruit Shake
Recipe reprinted with permission from HealthRecipes.com

Banana Porridge
Banana Pound Cake
Contributed by Jenn B aka Mom2sam and Tiny at World Re
Banana Push-ups
Banana Push-ups from the Recidemia collection
Banana Shwe Gye Cake
Banana Shwe Gye Cake from the Recidemia collection
Banana-Strawberry Fruit Smoothie
Recipe reprinted with permission from HealthRecipes.com
Ban'bukeylu Bon'dibaiy
Ban'bukeylu Bon'dibaiy from the Recidemia collection
Banh Lot
'Banh' means anything to do with flour or dough. 'Lot' means falling or fitting through a hole. So Banh Lot itself means little dough falling through holes.
Banh Phu The
Banh Phu The Banh Phu The is a Vietnamese Hue dessert. It is also popular in Bhutan.
Baqala Polo
Iranian rice with beans and dill weed. This is one of the most amazing dishes I've ever eaten. Rich and savory!
Baqourah
Baqourah from the Recidemia collection
Bara Ceirch
Savory Oatcakes
Barbados Brownies
Barbados Brownies from the Recidemia collection
Barbados Chocolate Rum Cake
Barbados Chocolate Rum Cake from the Recidemia collection
Barbados Rice and Stew
Barbados Rice and Stew from the Recidemia collection
Barbecue Beans
These saucy beans are ready in less than 40 minutes--a fraction of the time it takes to make traditional baked beans.
Barbecued One-dish Meal
Makes 6 servings
Barbecued Pork Sandwiches
Pork Recipes by the South Carolina Department of Agricultural, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 6-8
Barbecued Rice with Meat
Makes 6 servings.
Barbecued Round Steak
Contributed by PressureCookerRecipes Y-Group
Barbecue Sauce I
Yield: makes 2 cups
Barley Flat Bread
Barley Flat Bread from the Recidemia collection
Barley Soup
Barley Soup
Basic French Dressing
Served at Scandia Restaurant From "Catsrecipes Y-Group" Makes 1¾ cups.
Basic Meatloaf or Meatballs
Here is a reliable, mildly flavored recipe which can be adapted to your needs.
Basic Muffins I
Recipe by: McCougall Preparation time: 0:45
Basic Muffins II
Recipe by: McCougall Preparation time: 0:45
Basic Pesach Crêpe Batter
Basic Pesach Crêpe Batter from the Recidemia collection
Basic Pie Shell
Basic Pie Shell from the Recidemia collection
Basic Sponge Cake
Basic Sponge Cake from the Recidemia collection
Basic Sponge Cake II
Basic Sponge Cake II from the Recidemia collection
Basic Vegetable Stock
This is a basic stock that may be used in place of water in almost any recipe. It's a good way to use up vegetables that less than fresh.
Basmati Rice with Raisins, Nuts and Peas
Basmati Rice with Raisins, Nuts and Peas from the Recidemia collection