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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-SN.002.0035.001

Batter-fried Okra

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Servings: 8

RCI-BR.001.0022.001

Baursaks

Baursaks from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.002.0037.001

Bayagyaw

Bayagyaw (Spiced Yellow-Pea Fritters) can be served either as an appetizer or snack. It’s a great complement to tea or coffee.

RCI-SC.005.0013.001

Bazha

This is based on Georgian (as in post-Soviet) cuisine, but it’s my own recipe, which means that it’s very flexible with ingredients and quantities. It goes great with grilled vegetables, especially eggplant. Garnish with a few pomegranate seeds.

RCI-MT.001.0018.001

BBQ Beef Ribs

BBQ ribs are a great alternative to the classic pork ribs and more economical.

RCI-ND.004.0004.001

BBQ Duck and Ramen Soup

Love this simple but delicious noodle soup on a cold wet rainy day. Great meal in one. Total comfort food.

RCI-VG.003.0036.001

BBQ Lentils

Bring something different to your next potluck. Try these BBQ lentils instead of baked beans. Lentils are small, flat legumes used in many Indian and Middle Eastern dishes. Look for them next to other dry beans in the grocery store.

RCI-MT.004.0069.001

BBQ Pressure Cooker Chicken

Here's a winning recipe that combines my 2 favorite cooking methods. Pressure cooker and grilling! Can't wait till spring to start my grilling again.

RCI-SC.007.0030.001

BBQ Sauce II

I found this recipe in Consumer Reports last year. It's really good. One of the readers uses all dark molasses, more cayenne, orange zest instead of marmalade, and no liquid smoke for his.

RCI-SN.002.0038.001

Bean-Dough Cakes

Bean-Dough Cakes from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0079.001

Bean Leaves

Bean Leaves from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.004.0034.001

Bean 'n' Rice Skillet

Bean 'n' Rice Skillet from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0057.001

Bean-n-Sausage Supper

Contributed by PressureCookerRecipes Y-Group

RCI-SP.003.0058.001

Beans and Mushroom Soup

Beans and Mushroom Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.004.0036.001

Beans and Rice from Cape Verde

Beans and Rice from Cape Verde from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0061.001

Bean Soup

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Come into

RCI-SP.003.0064.001

Bean Soup with Cornmeal Dumplings in the Crockpot

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Mclean Estate in Irving, Texas in 1982.

RCI-SP.003.0066.001

Bean Soup with Meat Balls

* Serves 4 to 6

RCI-VG.005.0011.001

Bean Tamale Pie

A River of Recipes: Native American Recipes Using Commodity Foods by the USDA Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 6

RCI-SP.003.0068.001

Beef and Barley Stew

- This hearty stew can be prepared from freezer to table in under 2 hours. It's easy to prepare ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze for later use.

RCI-MT.001.0019.001

Beef and French Fries

Vietnamese Beef and French Fries is a meat recipe.

RCI-SP.003.0070.001

Beef Barley Soup

Beef Barley Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.003.0007.001

Beef Barley Soup II

Beef Barley Soup II from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.004.0026.001

Beef Burgundy Stew with Rice Verte

Makes 4 servings

RCI-MT.005.0027.001

Beef Burrito Casserole

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Elmquist Estate in Heath, Texas in 1981.

RCI-SN.002.0039.001

Beef Croquettes

Beef

RCI-ND.005.0014.001

Beef 'n' Noodle Skillet

Beef 'n' Noodle Skillet from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0071.001

Beef, Pork and Hominy Stew

Beef, Pork and Hominy Stew

RCI-MT.001.0031.001

Beef Salad

Beef Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.001.0032.001

Beef Satay

Beef satay Makes me think of Bali! Serve hot or cold. Serves 6.

RCI-MT.001.0038.001

Beef Wellington with Shallot Relish

by Mongol This is the main course in my entry for ICSA 20. Black Bean and Mushroom Risotto Grilled Asparagus with Shaved Parmesan and Balsamic Reduction Chocolate Mousse Our main dish tonight is Beef Wellington.

RCI-SC.007.0038.001

Beet Relish

right|Horseradish

RCI-BR.004.0050.001

Beetroot Cake

Beetroot Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.005.0003.001

Bekhi Murrabossi

Quince jam

RCI-SP.003.0075.001

Belarusian Milk Soup

Belarusian Milk Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0063.001

Belgian Endive, Spinach, and Radicchio Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette

Who said spinach doesn't taste ?! Please, make this great tasting salad and convert any anti-spinach friends you have ! Enjoy !

RCI-BR.001.0023.001

Belgian Pretzels

Enjoy this Belgian Pretzels recipe, easy to make and fast to bake!

RCI-BV.009.0009.001

Belizean Fruit Punch

Belizean Fruit Punch from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.004.0037.001

Belizean Rice and Beans

Belizean Rice and Beans from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0068.001

Belizean Rice Pudding

Belizean Rice Pudding from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.001.0006.001

Bell Pepper Corn Relish

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Pryor estate in Grapevine, Texas in 1996.

RCI-BR.001.0024.001

Bellyful

Bellyful from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.002.0019.001

Ben & Jerry's Dastardly Mash Ice Cream

Contributed by Lilly at Catsrecipes Y-Group * 1 Quart

RCI-SP.003.0077.001

Berkoukes

Pasta bullets with vegetarian sauce

RCI-SP.002.0016.001

Best-ever Cream of Broccoli Soup

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Kristine M

RCI-MT.001.0042.001

Best-ever Pot Roast

An hour in a pressure cooker would sure shorten the cooking time. This is cooked on top of the stove and not in the oven.

RCI-SP.003.0078.001

Best-ever Turkey and Rice Soup

Makes 4 servings

RCI-SC.007.0039.001

Best Peanut Sauce

Easiest peanut sauce for Chinese-style cooking Original recipe yield: 1 cup.

RCI-RC.004.0039.001

Bhagi Rice

Spinach rice

Bicol Express
RCI-SP.004.0036.001

Bicol Express

Bicol Express Bicol is always associated with spicy food. The thought of Bicol would send a person's imagination of images and scents of sili (chili pepper) and coconut milk. It holds a special place in the hearts of food-loving Filipinos.