
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)
Red-Berry Breakfast Risotto
Makes 6 servings
Red Cinnamon Crab Apples
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group
Red-Cooked Mongolian Lamb
Makes 10 servings.
Red Curry Cambogee
Yield :5
Red lentil lasagna
Red lentil lasagna from the Recidemia collection
Reduced-fat Carrot Cake
Makes 1 cake and 1 cup of frosting (16 servings)
Red, White and Blue Dessert
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group
Refried Beans I
Original recipe Yields 6 servings, each one equal to ½ cup
Rhubarb and Ginger Cobbler
Rhubarb and Ginger Cobbler from the Recidemia collection

Rhubarb crumble
Rhubarb crumble is a traditional British dessert. Served with custard, cream or ice cream it is a hearty, filling, and warm feast, best served after a light meal.
Rhubarb Nectar
Makes about 1 Litre
Rhubarb Punch
Rhubarb Punch from the Recidemia collection
Rhubarb Slush
Makes about one 5 quart ice cream pail.
Rhubarb Sorbet
Makes 8 servings (125 ml each).
Rice and Beans
Rice and Beans from the Recidemia collection
Rice and Beef Soup
Soup
Rice and Cherries Jubilee
Makes 8 servings
Rice and curry
Rice and curry from the Recidemia collection
Rice and Curry Ground Beef
Rice and Curry Ground Beef from the Recidemia collection
Rice and Hens Andalusia
Makes 4 servings
Rice and Lentils
Rice and Lentils from the Recidemia collection
Rice and Lentil Salad
The lentil is a staple food throughout the Middle East. Lentils provide protein and can be substituted for meat.
Rice and Peas
Rice and Peas from the Recidemia collection
Rice an' Peas
There's lots of ways to cook rice an' peas, but this one is easy and hassle free. This is a traditional Caribbean dish, done easy in a rice cooker, great for your ital-eating Rastafarian or vegan friends.
RICE BREAD
RICE BREAD from the Recidemia collection
Rice Casserole with Pine Nuts
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Rice-Cheese Casserole
Milk, Nonfat, Dry Instant by the US Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe : 9
Rice corn salad
Serves 6 to 8.
Rice Pudding II
Commonly known as Bengali kheer in India this recipe is a great dessert or snack for all dosha types.
Rice Uppuma
Oh la yummy rice uppuma (rice pudding) is ready to serve with coconut chutney or mango pickle.
Rice with Black Beans
Rice with Black Beans from the Recidemia collection
Rice with Chicken Spanish-style
This is a good way to get vegetables into the meal plan. Serve with a mixed green salad and some whole wheat bread.
Rice with Coconut
Rice with Coconut
Rice with Milk I
In Romanian: Orez cu lapte I
Rice with Milk II
In Romanian: Orez cu lapte II
Rice with Tofu and Nuts
Serves one as a main dish and 2 as a side dish
Rice with Vegetables
Rice with Vegetables from the Recidemia collection
Rich Crêpes
Rich Crêpes from the Recidemia collection
Ricotta Lasagne
Ricotta Lasagne is a baked pasta dish.
Riisipuuro
Rice porridge Riisipuuro
Rio de Cafe
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Serves 4 to 6
Rishtat Borma
Rishtat Borma from the Recidemia collection
Risotto al Gorgonzola
Risotto al Gorgonzola
Risotto of Goose Giblets
An excellent accompaniment to Roast Goose with Chestnut, Foie Gras and Sage Stuffing
Ritz Cracker "Apple" Pie
I learned about this recipe when my brother, still in middle school, came home saying that he could get extra credit by making it. It's an "apple" pie recipe that uses no apples; which of course means that it's even worse for you than the real McCoy.
Ritzy Sloppy Joes
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Wadley Estate in Allen, Texas in 1990.
Riz et Pois
Rice and beans - A Haitian favourite
Riz et Pois I
Rice and beans - Haiti’s National Dish
Riz Mufalfal
Oriental rice pilaf. Rice may be cooked in many ways. This method produces a fluffy but slightly moist pilaf with only a slight flavor of the small amount of fat which is stirred in to separate the grains.
Roast Duckling with Cherry Sauce
Makes 4 servings.