
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)
Pumpkin Muffins
Pumpkin Muffins from the Seattl
PUMPKIN PONE
PUMPKIN PONE from the Recidemia collection
Pumpkin soup
Pumpkin soup from the Recidemia collection
Pumpkin Soup
Soups
Punjabi Chana
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Pupusas Revueltas
Ground chicken and lowfat cheese help keep down the fat and calories in this tasty dish.
Purée Mongole
Purée Mongole from the Recidemia collection
Purim Chocolate-Covered Nuts
Purim Chocolate-Covered Nuts from the Recidemia collection
Qabili Pilau
Lamb and yellow rice with carrots and raisins

Qahwa Arabeya
Arabic Coffee from Recipes Wiki—original source of recipe, licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License Serves: 8 – 10
Quick Barbecue Sauce I
Quick Barbecue Sauce I from the Recidemia collection
Quick Breakfast Drink
Date and Source unknown. This is yummy. I make it on a very regular basis.
Quick Corn Bread
This recipe also may be used for muffins.
Quick Hoppin' John Soup
Quick Hoppin' John Soup from the Recidemia collection
Quick Indian Curry with Coconut Quinoa
Quick Indian Curry with Coconut Quinoa from the Recidemia collection
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.
Quick Pork Chops
Quick Pork Chops from the Recidemia collection
Quince Compote
In Romanian: Compot de gutui
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.
Quinoa and Wild Rice-stuffed Squash
Quinoa and Wild Rice-stuffed Squash from the Recidemia collection
Quinoa Salad I
Nancy O'Brion notes: I would make this work for me as a diabetic. I enjoy salads of any kind.
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.
Quinoa Salad with Feta
Quinoa Salad with Feta from the Recidemia collection
Quinoa Stew
Quinoa Stew
Quinoa Vegetable Soup
Quinoa Vegetable Soup
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).
Rainbow Rice
Rainbow Rice from the Recidemia collection
Raised Potato Doughnuts
Raised Potato Doughnuts from the Recidemia collection
Raisin Bread
Raisin Bread from the Recidemia collection
Raisin Crumb Pie
Raisin Crumb Pie - makes two pies.
Raisin 'n' Orange Oat Bran Cereal
Makes 4 servings
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.
Rajmah Masala
Ethnicity - Punjabi, North Indian Type of meal - Party, Lunch, Dinner
Ramyon (Instant noodle)
Ramyon (Instant noodle)
Ranch House Barbecue
Makes 6 servings
Rasmussen Cucumber Salad
Rasmussen Cucumber Salad from the Recidemia collection
Raspberry Butter
Raspberry Butter from the Recidemia collection
Raspberry Pudding with Cream
Yield: serves 4 to 6
Raspberry Rhubarb Salad
Raspberry Rhubarb Salad from the Recidemia collection
Raspberry Rice Dessert
Makes 8 servings.
Raspberry Strawberry Trifle
Makes: 16 servings
Raspberry Syrup
Raspberry Syrup from the Recidemia collection
Rassam
Spicy lentil broth
Ratatouille with Rice
Makes 6 servings
Rava Dosa
Rava Dosa from the Recidemia collection
Real Cajun Jambalaya
Real Cajun Jambalaya from the Recidemia collection
Recipe for Sweet Syrup
Recipe for Sweet Syrup from the Recidemia collection
Red Beans and Rice Creole-style
Makes 10 servings
Red Beans and Rice I
Red Beans and Rice I from the Recidemia collection
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.