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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.003.0337.002

Pumpkin Muffins

Pumpkin Muffins from the Seattl

RCI-DS.001.0440.001

PUMPKIN PONE

PUMPKIN PONE from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0538.001

Pumpkin soup

Pumpkin soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1073.001

Pumpkin Soup

Soups

RCI-VG.004.1075.001

Punjabi Chana

.

RCI-SW.004.0038.001

Pupusas Revueltas

Ground chicken and lowfat cheese help keep down the fat and calories in this tasty dish.

RCI-SP.002.0172.001

Purée Mongole

Purée Mongole from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.003.0261.001

Purim Chocolate-Covered Nuts

Purim Chocolate-Covered Nuts from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.001.0166.001

Qabili Pilau

Lamb and yellow rice with carrots and raisins

Qahwa Arabeya
RCI-BV.008.0065.001

Qahwa Arabeya

Arabic Coffee from Recipes Wiki—original source of recipe, licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License Serves: 8 – 10

RCI-SC.007.0253.001

Quick Barbecue Sauce I

Quick Barbecue Sauce I from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BV.007.0124.001

Quick Breakfast Drink

Date and Source unknown. This is yummy. I make it on a very regular basis.

RCI-BR.003.0342.001

Quick Corn Bread

This recipe also may be used for muffins.

RCI-SP.003.0542.001

Quick Hoppin' John Soup

Quick Hoppin' John Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.005.0194.001

Quick Indian Curry with Coconut Quinoa

Quick Indian Curry with Coconut Quinoa from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.005.0178.001

Quick Kimchee

This quick, spicy, tangy cabbage side dish stands in for the traditional salty Korean staple. Unlike fermented kimchi, this quick variation is best eaten shortly after preparing and does not keep its crunchy texture when stored.

RCI-MT.002.0231.001

Quick Pork Chops

Quick Pork Chops from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.004.0224.001

Quince Compote

In Romanian: Compot de gutui

RCI-RC.001.0168.001

Quinoa and Rice Pilaf

A filling, hearty side dish which can replace both a starch and a vegetable. The quinoa adds a boost of protein which rice lacks.

RCI-VG.005.0179.001

Quinoa and Wild Rice-stuffed Squash

Quinoa and Wild Rice-stuffed Squash from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.006.0097.001

Quinoa Salad I

Nancy O'Brion notes: I would make this work for me as a diabetic. I enjoy salads of any kind.

RCI-RC.006.0098.001

Quinoa Salad with Dried Apricots and Baby Spinach

This spicy salad with little jewels of dried apricot in the mix would be welcome at lunch or a simple weekday dinner. You can prepare the salad and dressing ahead of time.

RCI-VG.001.0468.001

Quinoa Salad with Feta

Quinoa Salad with Feta from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0546.001

Quinoa Stew

Quinoa Stew

RCI-SP.003.0547.001

Quinoa Vegetable Soup

Quinoa Vegetable Soup

RCI-SP.003.0548.001

Rabarbaragrautur

Stewed rhubarb. Rhubarb grows in almost every vegetable garden in Iceland, right alongside the potatoes. In the summer, it is mostly used for soup and "grautur" (thick stew).

RCI-RC.001.0171.001

Rainbow Rice

Rainbow Rice from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.001.0215.001

Raised Potato Doughnuts

Raised Potato Doughnuts from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.001.0216.001

Raisin Bread

Raisin Bread from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0284.001

Raisin Crumb Pie

Raisin Crumb Pie - makes two pies.

RCI-RC.005.0071.001

Raisin 'n' Orange Oat Bran Cereal

Makes 4 servings

RCI-VG.004.1095.001

Raisin Spice Lentil Cookies

These cookies fill the kitchen with a delicious fragrance while baking. They taste great fresh from the oven with a glass of cold skim milk. Recipe From: Magic Beans, 1996 by Patti Bazel.

RCI-VG.004.1096.001

Rajmah Masala

Ethnicity - Punjabi, North Indian Type of meal - Party, Lunch, Dinner

RCI-ND.004.0027.001

Ramyon (Instant noodle)

Ramyon (Instant noodle)

RCI-SP.003.0552.001

Ranch House Barbecue

Makes 6 servings

RCI-VG.001.0476.001

Rasmussen Cucumber Salad

Rasmussen Cucumber Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.007.0255.001

Raspberry Butter

Raspberry Butter from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0452.001

Raspberry Pudding with Cream

Yield: serves 4 to 6

RCI-DS.001.0453.001

Raspberry Rhubarb Salad

Raspberry Rhubarb Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0455.001

Raspberry Rice Dessert

Makes 8 servings.

RCI-DS.001.0458.001

Raspberry Strawberry Trifle

Makes: 16 servings

RCI-SC.007.0257.001

Raspberry Syrup

Raspberry Syrup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1100.001

Rassam

Spicy lentil broth

RCI-VG.004.1103.001

Ratatouille with Rice

Makes 6 servings

RCI-SP.003.0553.001

Rava Dosa

Rava Dosa from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.004.0229.001

Real Cajun Jambalaya

Real Cajun Jambalaya from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.007.0259.001

Recipe for Sweet Syrup

Recipe for Sweet Syrup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1106.001

Red Beans and Rice Creole-style

Makes 10 servings

RCI-VG.004.1107.001

Red Beans and Rice I

Red Beans and Rice I from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1113.001

Red Bean Soup

Red Bean Soup This came from a Cajun Cookbook that my friend had loaned to me. The prep. time does not include soaking the beans overnight.