
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)
Roasted Cumin Raita
Roasted Cumin Raita from the Recidemia collection
Roasted Cuy
Roasted guinea pig
Roasted Garlic and Potato Soup
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Roasted Lemon Potatoes
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Roast Pork with Cabbage and Carrots
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 4 Servings.

Roast Potatoes
(also known colloquially as 'roasties') are usually used as the prime starch accompaniment to a roast dinner, which is usually made up of a roast meat and several different vegetables.
Rock Candy
Greetings! You have just entered a food thread that is also for SCIENCE, as we experiment in creating the fabulous treat known as rock candy.
Roggebrood
This is a very dark, very heavy rye bread. It is baked as a large round bread and will weigh approximately a kilo-and-a-half when done. Traditionally this bread is eaten with pea soup.
Rogieties
Lithuanian crock pickles
Roman Beef Strips
Makes 6 servings.
Romanian Noodles
In Romanian: Taitei romanesti
Romazava
Romazava (Mixed meat Stew) - Serves 4
Root Vegetable Curry
Root Vegetable Curry from the Recidemia collection
Root Vegetable Soup
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Rose Lassi
Rose Lassi from the Recidemia collection
Roti Bread
Roti Bread from the Recidemia collection
Round Biscuits
A Romanian cookie called Pesmeciori perisoare.
Ruby Red Grapefruit Smoothie
Ruby Red Grapefruit Smoothie from the Recidemia collection
Ruby Sandals Marinara Sauce
Always check the ingredients to make sure the product is vegan.
R-U-Oating Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Always check the ingredients to make sure the product is vegan.
Rupsades or Portuguese Candy
This recipe taken from www.Portuguese-recipes.com
Rusks
A rusk is a slice of yeast bread (thick or thin) that is baked until dry, crisp and golden brown. Some breads used for this purpose are slightly sweetened. Rusks, plain or flavored, are available in most supermarkets.
Russian Black Bread
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group This Y-group is
Russian Borscht
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group
Russian Cabbage Soup
Russian Cabbage Soup from the Recidemia collection
Russian Potato and Mushroom Croquettes
Russian Potato and Mushroom Croquettes from the Recidemia collection
Russian-style Red Currant Jelly
Russian-style Red Currant Jelly from the Recidemia collection
Rustic Noodle Soup
* Serves 4 to 6
Rye Yeast Bread
Rye Yeast Bread from the Recidemia collection
Sadza/Bogobe/Pap/Ugali (Stiff Porridge)
Stiff porridge is made in the same way as thin porridge but greater proportion of meal is used. The same comments about the flour used for thin porridge apply here.
Sadza Dumpling
Sadza Dumpling from the Recidemia collection
Saffron Almond Rice Pilaf
Always check the ingredients to make sure the product is vegan.
Sailor Soup
Sailor Soup from the Recidemia collection
Sajan Leaves Soup with Fish
Sajan Leaves Soup with Fish from the Recidemia collection
Saka saka
Saka saka from the Recidemia collection
Sakura Mochi
Traditional Japanese Girl's Day treat (March 3rd) From "Catsrecipes Y-Group"
Salad Bar Pizza
Makes two 9-inch deep-dish pizzas
Salade de Cocombres et de Courgettes
Cucumber-zucchini salad
Salady Voankazo
Fruit Compote with Lichee Nuts
Sally Parker's Boiled Spice Cake
Sally Parker's Boiled Spice Cake from the Recidemia collection
Salmon Chowder
Salmon Chowder from the Public Health Cookbook, Seattle & King County Department of Public Health—original source of recipe—US government resource in the public domain Serves: 6
Salmon in Oyster Sauce
Contributed by Suzie at
Salor Kor-Ko Sap
Khmer Vegetarian Stew. Savory eggplant, bitter melon, pumpkin and spinach with Khmer favorite spices is very tasty.
Salor Machu Kreoung
Yield: 4 servings
Salsa Ninety Nine
Salsa Ninety Nine serve for 10
Saltkjot og Baunir
Saltkjot og Baunir Icelandic salted lamb and pea soup. Saltkjot og baunir is what most Icelanders eat on Shrove Tuesday, or "sprengidagur" (literally "bursting day"). Serve hot as a meal to 8 people.
Sambar Variation
This recipe is a . Served over steamed rice, it makes for a simple but filling meal.
Samboosak
These flaky meat pies are eaten to break the Muslim fast every evening during the month of Ramadan. To the traditional meat stuffing of the northern Arab states are added leeks, boiled eggs, and regional spices.
Sambussa
Yields 16 pastries.
Samurai Japanese Pancake
The ideal consistency should be similar to french crêpes batter. If you could find a Japanese potato called "nagaimo" (long and hairy) use about 4 inch long. This is the most preferred potato.